UK-based solar developer Lightsource bp has commissioned its 188-MW Honeysuckle solar project in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Honeysuckle Solar Project Delivers 188 MW of Clean Energy
The commercial launch of Lightsource bp’s Honeysuckle solar project adds 188 megawatts of new clean energy to the grid in St. Joseph County, Indiana. This privately funded solar farm supports the nation’s made-in-America supply chain, highlighting the benefits of investing in domestic renewable energy.
“With our project partners, we are supporting the rapidly growing U.S. solar manufacturing sector, local unions and investing in rural America. Honeysuckle Solar showcases these and other quantifiable benefits Americans are deriving from the Inflation Reduction Act.” said Emilie Wangerman, COO of Lightsource bp, USA.
Lightsource bp and Google Partner for Renewable Energy
The availability of renewable energy is also fostering corporate investment in the community. Google, which recently announced a $2 billion data center campus expansion in Fort Wayne, has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Lightsource bp for electricity from the Honeysuckle project. This partnership demonstrates how utility-scale solar can bolster American energy leadership and boost local economies.
“We have an ambitious goal to operate every Google campus on clean electricity every hour of every day by 2030, which will include our Fort Wayne data centre once it comes online. We look forward to working with Lightsource bp to support our Indiana operations with clean energy and drive continued economic impact in the state.” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy.
Project Emphasizes Local Labor and US Manufacturing
South Bend-based Inovateus Solar LLC served as the construction contractor, prioritizing local labor for the project’s mechanical, electrical, and civil work. Of the 200 workers employed during construction, 85% came from the local area, contributing a total of 280,000 labor-hours.
Participating unions included IBEW Local 153, IUOE Local 150, and LiUNA Local 645. Entry-level workers received hands-on experience and training, with opportunities to join apprenticeship programs that provide a path to lifelong, family-sustaining careers.
The project also supported U.S. manufacturers by using solar panels from First Solar, smart solar trackers from Array Technologies, and steel from Nucor.
Honeysuckle is expected to generate $30 million in revenue for the local community over its lifespan, providing additional funding for local schools and services without increasing taxes for residents.
“Over the last couple of years, the desire by companies to have access to renewable energy is a must as the companies consider investing in the region. The ability to have a project like Honeysuckle Solar proximate to their development site is a huge win and a major attraction piece as we sell a hub of enterprise in St. Joseph County called the Indiana Enterprise Center. We have had over $14 Billion of new project investment announced this year and access to a project like Honeysuckle that is generating local clean energy onto our grid is a major factor in that investment.” said Bill Schalliol, Executive Director of Economic Development for St. Joseph County.