GAINESVILLE, Fla., and MIAMI, Fla. (February 16, 2023) – Today’s affirmative vote by the Gainesville City Commission moves the city’s first large-scale solar and storage project forward.

The vote authorizes Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to execute a contract amendment for FL Solar 6, commonly called Sand Bluff Solar. Project developer, Origis Energy, joins the city in celebrating this vote, a win for environmental as well as economic benefits in the region and progress on the city’s renewable energy goals.

The original power purchase agreement for Sand Bluff Solar was announced in July 2020 as a 50-megawatt (MW) large-scale solar project coupled with 12 MW of energy storage. The commissioners’ vote today allows for the expansion of the project size to 74.9 MW, additional storage capabilities and a price amendment to reflect market-driven cost factors.

“We are already a state leader in renewable energy and this solidifies our commitment to maintaining that status in a cost-effective manner,” said GRU General Manager Tony Cunningham.

Gainesville adopted a Net Zero 2045 resolution aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in a way that balances economics, customer impacts and climate. Sand Bluff Solar will be constructed about 15 miles west of downtown Gainesville in Alachua County, Fla. The new location for the project honors all the requirements of an agreement reached and announced last year with the local community southeast of Archer.

“Origis is honored to have worked with the Archer Historic African-American Community to reach an agreement in June 2022 on new parameters for the proposed project location,” said Origis Energy Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer Johan Vanhee.

“Today’s vote ensures the project delivers in two important ways for residents in Gainesville and Alachua County. The Sand Bluff Solar Project will help the city fulfill its net zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions goals by delivering clean energy to the grid, while at the same time, Sand Bluff Solar will deliver millions in property tax contributions and construction related economic benefits.”

In addition to the increased solar generation, the revised agreement will also add more grid services to the scope of the battery storage. Originally engineered to provide ramp control only, today’s vote builds on the ramp control adding energy shifting capabilities to serve the GRU grid with clean energy outside sunshine hours.

More information about the project can be found at: https://origisenergy.com/projects/fl-solar-6-sand-bluff/ 

About GRU

GRU is a citizen-owned, multi-service utility in Gainesville, Florida, providing reliable electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services to more than 95,000 retail and wholesale customers in Gainesville and the surrounding community. As an engaged participant in an innovative community, GRU offers programs and services to help customers manage their utility use and save money. GRU also has a proven commitment to renewable energy.

About Origis Energy

Origis Energy is bringing clean and cost effective solar and energy storage solutions within reach for utility, commercial and industrial as well as public sector clients. The Origis team has worked to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are upheld in 170 projects worldwide totalling more than 5 GW to date of developed solar and energy storage capacity. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Origis Energy delivers excellence in solar and energy storage development, financing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and operations, maintenance and asset management for investors and clean energy consumers in the US. Visit us at www.OrigisEnergy.com.

Media Contacts

GRU
David Warm
352 393 1439
Warmd1@gru.com

Origis Energy
Glenna Wiseman
786 893 2760
glenna.wiseman@origisenergy.com