Direct Energy, RWE Ink Long-Term PPA for 25 MW Solar Project in Southern Alberta

RWE Group flagship firm RWE Renewables and Direct Energy Business, an arm of Direct Energy, have signed a long-term agreement to purchase 25 MW of electrical output and associated capacity from RWE’s Canadian Hull solar plant.

RWE Renewables is among the leading renewable energy companies globally. It has onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaic (PV) plants and battery storage facilities with a combined capacity of approx 9 GW.

Furthermore, RWE’s Canadian Hull solar plant is located in Southern Alberta’s Taber county. The PV plant has also started commercial operation recently and will now provide renewable electricity to Direct Energy Business which will supply clean power to its Canadian customers.

Commenting on the deal, David Brast, Senior Vice President, North America Gas and Power, Direct Energy Business, said that “with increased customer demand for renewables, the addition of 25 MW of solar supply will help Direct Energy Business build renewable power options for our customers and affirms our commitment to provide products and services that lead to a lower carbon future.”

“With this deal, we are demonstrating our extensive capabilities as a leading integrated renewables player ranging from project development, construction, operations to commercialization. The contract with Direct Energy illustrates our expertise in marketing green electricity on the basis of bilateral power purchase agreements. Solar energy is already competitive and decreasing prices for equipment will further drive this development in the long term,” said Silvia Ortín Rios, Chief Operating Officer Wind Onshore and Solar Photovoltaics Americas of RWE Renewables.

Besides, this long-term contract is expected to start in August 2020, and the RWE’s solar farm will supply an annual production of up to 50,000 MWh of carbon-free energy and environmental attributes to Direct Energy. This will be enough green electricity to supply the equivalent of about 6,500 Canadian homes.

“This PPA demonstrates Direct Energy’s unique ability to create long-term 100 percent renewable energy solutions that combine the strengths of our customers, project developers and energy retailers alike,” said Lance Henderson, Director, Western Origination, Direct Energy Business.