First Gainesville, Fla., Large-Scale Solar and Storage Project Announced by Gainesville Regional Utilities and Origis Energy

First Gainesville, Fla., Large-Scale Solar and Storage Project Announced by Gainesville Regional Utilities and Origis Energy  

The 50 MW solar plant, coupled with a 12 MW energy storage facility, moves the City significantly closer to 100 percent renewable energy resources by 2045.

GAINESVILLE, Fla., and MIAMI, Fla. (July 17, 2020) – Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and Origis Energy announce a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for FL Solar 6, a new 50 megawatt (MW) large-scale solar project coupled with 12 MWs of energy storage. The project represents the first utility-scale solar and storage project in the GRU service territory.

City Commissioners in Gainesville, Fla., moved the municipality closer to the realization of their 100 percent renewable energy resources by 2045 goal with their vote on July 16, 2020, approving the project. FL Solar 6 will be constructed in Alachua County, Fla., by Origis Energy.

FL Solar 6 is slated for completion by late 2022. With the 50 MW turn-key solar plant online, GRU will be able to provide solar to customers without upward rate pressure.

“GRU has long been a pioneer in renewable energy,” said GRU General Manager Ed Bielarski. “FL Solar 6 is the next step toward meeting our goals of providing our entire community with affordable alternatives to fossil fuels and meeting our long-range goal of 100 percent renewable by 2045. It’s an all-around win for our customers, our city