Design and Construction Report staff writer
PCL Construction says it has been awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) works for Great Bend Solar, a 48-megawatt alternating current (MWac) turn-key solar solution being developed by Doral Renewables in Meigs County, Ohio.
This project marks the first collaboration between Doral Renewables, a leader in renewable energy, and PCL, whose U.S. solar portfolio includes more than $1.5 billion in solar projects across Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Oregon, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
Once operational, Great Bend Solar will produce upwards of 92,514 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy annually, sufficient to power approximately 9,200 households and offset 62,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. The project will include the installation of a state-of-the-art photovoltaic panel array, substation and switchyard infrastructure.
“PCL is committed to powering a greener future by connecting the world’s communities to cutting-edge, utility-scale solar solutions,” Andrew Moles, general manager of PCL’s solar division, said in an April 15 statement. “Great Bend is our third solar EPC project in Ohio, and we are honored to be building it for Doral Renewables – a leader in championing the future of clean energy.”
The project’s groundbreaking is tentatively planned for this summer and is expected to create 200 jobs in the local community. PCL has also stated a commitment to partner with local subcontractors to help bring the project to life.
“PCL, renowned for its expertise and excellence in solar and infrastructure construction, is the perfect partner for this project,” said Amit Nadkarni, vice-president of project management at Doral Renewables.
“Their track record of delivering high-quality, innovative solutions, ability to collaborate with the local community and experience in the state of Ohio aligns perfectly with our vision for the Great Bend Solar Project. We are excited to partner with PCL for the EPC services, and this collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Together, with PCL, we look forward to delivering a world-class solar facility that will make a positive impact on the environment and the community.”
Great Bend Solar marks the 16th photovoltaic solar project in the United States for PCL. Upon completion, this project will increase PCL’s completed and active EPC portfolio in the United States to over 2 gigawatts direct current (GWdc) of solar power, enough to power 500,000 households and businesses. To date, PCL has been selected to lead solar projects worth more than $4.2 billion USD, including photovoltaic solar facilities, battery energy storage systems and substations across the United States, Canada and Australia.
