Fast food chain McDonald’s has entered into an agreement with renewable energy firm Lightsource bp to secure power from a solar project in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
The Prairie Ronde Solar project has a capacity of 145 MWac/180 MWdc and is expected to produce an average of about 327,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, which is comparable to the average yearly electricity consumption of 30,700 U.S. households.
Additionally, the project is estimated to reduce 231,800 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, which is equivalent to the annual emissions produced by approximately 50,000 fuel-burning cars.
According to Lightsource bp, this power purchase agreement expands its footprint of solar assets across the Southeast, while supporting McDonald’s’ commitment to climate action and its sustainability targets.
The facility, which will be sited about 25 miles north of Lafayette, will be financed, built, owned and operated by Lightsource bp. McDonald’s will buy all of the solar energy the project generates, which is equivalent to about 630 restaurants’ worth of renewable electricity per year.
“Growing our partnership with Lightsource bp reaffirms our commitment to building a more sustainable McDonald’s system at a meaningful scale,” said Elaine Strunk, Sr. Director Global Sustainability, McDonald’s. “Prairie Ronde Solar will contribute to our climate aspirations while adding a considerable amount of new renewable generation to the grid.”
These type of corporate renewable energy PPAs don't mean the renewable energy is consumed directly by the partner, but the investment helps fund construction and interconnection of the low carbon resources into the main grid.
Construction on the project is expected to commence early this year, with commercial operation planned in late 2024. The more than $170 million solar farm is expected to create around 250 construction jobs for 18 months, mainly consisting of local labor.
The project is also expected to provide a $20 million economic boost to St. Landry Parish throughout its lifespan. This will result in extra funding for local schools and emergency services, all without a tax hike on its citizens or penalty to state funding for its schools.
The facility will also invest $3.9 million per year during operations to maintain the land and the facility, promoting economic growth throughout the Parish and state.
“This deal marks McDonald’s second solar project in Louisiana in partnership with Lightsource bp, bringing our statewide total of solar assets to 525 MW representing a cumulative half billion-dollar private investment,” said Kevin Smith, CEO, Lightsource bp, Americas. “McDonald’s is a great example of a corporate buyer whose commitment to sustainability is driving massive investment in new clean energy infrastructure for America’s energy security and clean energy future.”
