First Solar has announced plans to go ahead with the construction of a 200MW solar plant in Twiggs County in the US state of Georgia.

The solar plant will be constructed for the state’s electric utility company Georgia Power, under the Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) Program.

It will be located on a 2000-acre piece of land and is considered to be largest solar facility in the Southeast US.

First Solar Americas Project Development Vice President Kathryn Arbeit said: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for First Solar to demonstrate our capability to develop solar assets in the Southeast and help Georgia Power meet the renewable energy needs of its customers.

“Georgia Power’s significant commitment to renewable energy, paired with Twiggs County’s strong leadership and supportive business environment, combine to serve as a great example of how solar can be seamlessly included in the region’s energy mix.”

Currently in an advanced development stage, the construction is expected to begin in November this year. Completion and commissioning of the plant is anticipated to take place next year.  

The solar plant is part of the company’s tender win of 525MW RfPs for the state utility’s REDI program.

The project will be located near Warner Robins in the state and is expected to include about half a million of First Solar’s thin film solar modules. The plant is expected to generate about 450GWh of clean electricity annually. Construction period of the plant could bring between 300 and 400 jobs to the region.

Georgia Power Renewable Development Director Wilson Mallard said: “We are committed to working with the Georgia Public Service Commission to create programs, like REDI, that help grow renewable energy in Georgia and add value for all of our customers.

“Recently completed large-scale solar projects across Georgia are serving customers today, and the Twiggs County project will be the latest addition, allowing Georgia Power customers to benefit from cost-effective, competitive solar as part of our diverse generation mix.”

Recently, First Solar partnered with Arizona Public Service to add a 50MW solar-fueled battery to provide clean power to Arizonans during the hot summer months. First Solar will build and operate the facility that includes a 65-MW solar field to charge the battery.

Image: First Solar’s PV plant. Photo: Courtesy of First Solar.