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September 18, 2017 – Georgetown and Origis Energy USA today announced a power purchase agreement to develop a 32.5-megawatt offsite solar power system that will provide almost 50 percent of campus electricity needs and help the university fulfill its sustainability mission.

The project reinforces Georgetown’s June 2017 announcement with other leading American universities reaffirming support of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the transition to a clean energy economy.

It also significantly contributes to Georgetown’s ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations.

Once the solar power system, developed, built and owned by Origis Energy, is constructed in La Plata, Maryland, it will provide for nearly half of Georgetown’s electricity load for campus operations.

SUSTAINABILITY, CARBON FOOTPRINT GOALS

“This strategic partnership with Origis supports Georgetown’s carbon footprint reduction goals while providing long-term energy price stability,” said Robin Morey, vice president for planning and facilities management.

Pending approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission and local permitting, the off-site solar facility will be located on 518 acres in Charles County, Maryland.

The Origis Energy design calls for the use of approximately 105,000 solar panel modules and will interconnect to the South Maryland Electric Cooperative transmission system.

COMPREHENSIVE STEP

The project will create approximately 200 jobs during construction, which is anticipated to start in early 2019 and be completed by summer 2019.

It will generate approximately 75,000-megawatt hours of power each year, contributing to a cleaner electric grid and reducing annual emissions the equivalent of 54 million pounds of coal or planting over 1.3 million trees.

“Our team is humbled to support Georgetown University’s pursuit of environmental excellence and leadership,” said Johan Vanhee, managing director of business development for Origis Energy. “We commend the university’s solar energy leadership in the nation’s capi