Muhlenberg College, along with eight other colleges and universities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, is embarking on a collaborative effort to establish a cutting-edge, large-scale solar facility in western Kentucky. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Davidson College, Dickinson College, Elon University, Haverford College, Muhlenberg College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Swarthmore College, and Wake Forest University are collectively venturing into renewable energy, a feat typically achievable only for large-scale customers.
President Kathleen Harring emphasized the significance of investing in renewable energy projects, stating, “Investing in new renewable energy projects drives innovation and contributes to a cleaner, brighter future.” She added, “By signing this agreement, we are demonstrating our commitment to sustainability through community partnerships and long-term reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Muhlenberg College’s participation in the project will offset 100 percent of its electricity usage, effectively eliminating its greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation.
Under the guidance of Coho, an ERM Group Company, the consortium of institutions is collaborating with NextEra Energy Resources, a global leader in renewable energy generation, particularly from wind and solar sources, as well as battery energy storage. Through the PPA, the consortium will support the Sebree Solar II project, which is slated to commence construction in early 2025 and achieve commercial operation by the end of 2026.
The collaboration also presents opportunities for student engagement in experiential learning with NextEra Energy Resources. Muhlenberg College, in particular, will gain access to data from the Sebree Solar II project for educational purposes, alongside campus speaking engagements, site visits, and student internships.
Located near the town of Robards, Kentucky, adjacent to the Ohio River, the Sebree Solar II project promises significant environmental benefits, with a capacity to generate up to 150 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. Over its projected 30-year lifespan, the solar site is expected to contribute approximately $12 million in additional tax revenue to Henderson County, benefiting public services such as roads and schools. Once operational, the solar facility is anticipated to provide enough energy to annually power over 24,000 homes.
Although the electricity generated by the Sebree Solar II project cannot be directly transmitted to the consortium campuses due to distance constraints, the schools will still reap the benefits of investing in additional renewable energy. Muhlenberg College, for instance, will purchase an amount of energy equivalent to 100 percent of its campus electricity consumption, receiving renewable energy credits in return to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with purchased electricity.
Anthony Pedroni, Vice President of Renewable Development and M&A at NextEra Energy Resources, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to work with Muhlenberg College and the other institutions to help them achieve their sustainability goals.” He added, “This solar energy project will generate homegrown energy and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Henderson County over the life of the project.”
Muhlenberg College’s commitment to sustainability spans over two decades, uniting students, faculty, and staff in a quest for innovative solutions. Notably, the College’s Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation recently achieved Core Living Building Certification, marking it as the first building worldwide to attain this prestigious sustainable design accolade.