By Breanna Sandridge, Senior Editor

Leeward Renewable Energy has completed construction and commenced operations at its 200 MW Horizon Solar Project near Pearsall in Frio County, Texas. The solar project will provide Verizon Communications with renewable energy under a renewable energy purchase agreement (REPA).

The project is expected to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to powering 1.2 million Texan households throughout its operational lifespan. It will also provide approximately US$30 million in tax payments to directly support the local county and schools.

Leeward Renewable Energy has also introduced sheep grazing for vegetation control, a comprehensive biodiversity management plan, and the planting of pollinator-friendly native plant species at Horizon Solar. These measures will help increase land productivity, provide farmers with supplementary income, and contribute to advancing the transition to clean energy.

Under the REPA, Verizon will also purchase the energy generated from three other Leeward wind and solar projects currently under development. These include:

• Blackford Wind – Located in Blackford County, Indiana, it will have a generation capacity of 200 MW.
• White Wing Ranch Solar – Located in Yuma County, Arizona, it will have a generation capacity of 160 MW.
• An 80 MW wind project with details to come.

In total, the four projects will have the capacity to generate up to 640 MW of clean energy, helping Verizon reach its goal of becoming net zero in its operational emissions by 2035.