Lightsource BP has acquired six solar development assets from Orion Renewable Energy, totaling 135MW.

LightSourceBP

Image: Lightsource BP to acquires 135MW solar portfolio in the US. Photo: Courtesy of Lightsource BP Renewable Energy Investments Limited.

Lightsource BP stated that the portfolio consists of projects in the PJM power pool and are specifically in the rapidly growing energy markets in of Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The announcement comes at a time when Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had recently published draft plan to expand in-state solar resources to 11GW, with a goal of supplying 10% of the state’s electricity needs from solar by 2030.

Lightsource BP Group CEO Nick Boyle said: “The acquisition of the largest solar development portfolio in Pennsylvania builds on our proven reputation as a global renewable energy leader.

“We are accelerating the development of solar with a strong focus on new and underserved markets, as it is an important component of a diverse fuel mix.”

Earlier this month, Brett Martin announced procuring renewable electricity from a 6.42MW solar installation funded and developed by Lightsoure BP.

This solar farm is located at Gibson Farm, on 35 acres of locally owned farmland, in Mallusk, Newtownabbey, which is hard-wired directly into Brett Martin’s facility just over a mile away.

Clean electricity generated from the solar farm is enough to be supplied to 1,600 homes. The facility is expected to power nearly 14% of the centre’s annual electricity demand. This is equivalent of saving nearly 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

In April, Lightsource BP was selected by UK-based utility firm Northumbrian Water as a strategic partner for the development of 10 new solar farms at the utility’s sites.

These plants are expected to generate nearly 10GWh of electrical power, enough to be supplied to more than 3,000 homes. The water utility stated that it will power all 1,858 its sites with renewable electricity for the next four years.