Nucor and NextEra Energy Resources Partners to Support Solar Energy Development in US

Nucor Corporation announced a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 250 megawatts of renewable energy from Sebree Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. 

Sebree Solar is an innovative two-phase solar project in Henderson County, Kentucky, which will have a capacity of up to 400 megawatts of American-produced energy. The project's first phase – Sebree Solar I – is set to begin construction in Fall 2023.

"Nucor's success in Kentucky has grown significantly in recent years, with major new investments and jobs helping to expand the reach of its steel products," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. "Whether it's electric vehicles or cutting-edge metals manufacturing, Kentucky is emerging as a national leader in creating the jobs of the future. I look forward to Nucor's continued success here and am happy to welcome NextEra Energy Resources to the commonwealth for what we hope will be another long and prosperous relationship."

The steel for Sebree Solar I will be sourced from Nucor Steel Gallatin in Ghent, Kentucky. Steel from Nucor Steel Gallatin will also be used for another solar project to be built and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, Green River Solar, in Meade and Breckinridge counties.

The Green River Solar project will generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity. The Kentucky-produced steel will be used for the racking system which supports the projects' solar panels. 

"We are delighted to work with NextEra Energy Resources, and to be a key material supplier to this important addition to the power grid in Kentucky where we have grown our presence considerably in recent years," said Greg Murphy, Executive Vice President of Business Services and General Counsel at Nucor Corporation.  "Our country's energy transition will be built with steel and the steel it is built with should be produced sustainably. And while Nucor is already among the world's cleanest and most sustainable steel producers, this agreement will enable us to further reduce our climate footprint and meet our goals for improvement."

Sebree Solar I is anticipated to begin commercial operation in December 2025. Over its 30-year lifespan, it will contribute approximately $20 million in additional tax revenue to Henderson County, which can be used for roads, schools, and other public services.

This announced PPA advances Nucor's broader sustainability strategy and complements a wind-powered PPA that Nucor entered into in 2021.

Nucor has agreed to off-take a total of 350 megawatts of carbon-free electricity through these two PPAs, enough to provide sufficient power to approximately 100,000 U.S. households annually.

"We are pleased to work with Nucor to help them achieve their sustainability goals. This solar energy project will generate low-cost, homegrown energy and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Henderson County over the life of the project," said Rebecca Kujawa, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, the world's largest generator of wind and solar energy, and a world leader in battery storage. "Constructing our project from steel made sustainably and locally will help drive economic development in Kentucky."