Europe’s largest solar developer, Lightsource bp has unveiled its new 300-megawatt Bighorn Solar project in collaboration with EVRAZ North America and Xcel Energy.
According to sources, the new solar project will help reduce emissions and support around 1,000 professionals with jobs at EVRAZ's Pueblo steel mill – the first-ever steel mill to be powered by solar energy globally. The project is located majorly on 1,800 acres on Pueblo's EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel property.
It is one of the most extensive on-site solar facilities in the United States dedicated solely to a single customer, with more than 750,000 solar panels delivering nearly all the plant's electricity demand.
The mill will be able to manufacture some of the world's greenest steel & steel products thanks to the solar plant. The factory already recycles scrap metal to make new steel products, including some of the world's most environmentally friendly rail.
Kevin Smith, CEO, Lightsource bp, Americas said that this initiative demonstrates that even difficult-to-abate sectors, such as steel, can be decarbonized when firms collaborate on creative solutions. Bighorn Solar became a reality because of the collaboration with Xcel Energy and EVRAZ North America.
It's an excellent example of partners working together to address complex challenges that face US business today while also protecting manufacturing employment.
Dave Lawler, Chairman and President of bp America, Bighorn Solar exemplifies the potential of American energy in the future. Renewable energy may help businesses become more sustainable and competitive, companies will be more robust, and employment will be protected due to projects like these.
It's also another illustration of how BP is trying to assist the United States, and the rest of the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050, added Mr. Dave.
For the uninitiated, the Bighorn Solar project is already supplying power to the grid and will be completely operational in November 2021.