Veolia North America, a provider of environmental solutions in the U.S. and Canada, has partnered with Today's Power to install a 5 MW single-axis tracking solar energy system at its waste treatment facility in Gum Springs, Arkansas.
The solar array is expected to produce over 250 million kWh of electricity over the next 25 years, enabling the facility to capture and generate power equal to its usage on an annual basis.
The electricity from the solar panels will be used for the facility’s daily demands and any excess will be utilized by the region’s main grid for net zero output. The solar facility will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The project will offset an estimated 105,000 tons of carbon emissions at the plant over the next 25 years, equivalent to providing about 25,000 residential homes with electricity.
Veolia expects to employ over 200 people at Gum Springs by 2025. The company also plans to reforest nearly 1,500 acres surrounding the Gum Springs property to sequester carbon emissions, provide protection for local habitat, and prevent erosion.
“TPI will be building and operating this facility, and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with Veolia and South Central Electric Cooperative," said Today’s Power CEO and President Derek Dyson.
