Building Energy awarded preferred bidder status for 16.8 MW photovoltaic plant in Annapolis, Maryland

Building Energy, an Italian independent power producer from renewable sources, has been selected as preferred bidder for the development of the 16.8 MW Annapolis Solar Park in USA.

The photovoltaic system, stretching over the 80-acre area occupied by a landfill in the city of Annapolis, Maryland, will be the largest solar park located entirely on a capped landfill in the United States. Building Energy and ABM Government Services will develop the project in partnership with BQ Energy.

The solar park project,which is expected to be operational by the end of 2016, has an estimated value of US$36 million.

Part of the energy generated by the plant, at least 2.8 MWdc, will be bought by the City of Annapolis, while the remaining 11-14 MWdc will be sold by Building Energy, ABM and BQ Energy to qualified local customers.

Not only will the solar park deliver cheaper electricity to the City of Annapolis, therefore reducing its operating expenses, but it will also allow the Municipality to generate revenues of up to approximately 5 million dollars by means of a 20-year land lease.

Building Energy and ABM will be responsible for building and operating the solar park through their joint venture RenewEnergy Solutions.

Andrea Braccialarghe, Building EnergyManaging Director, stated:

“Locating the solar power plant on landfill demonstrates the environmental leadership taken by Building Energy in USA. Annapolis Solar Park is a wonderful example of the creative successes that can be achieved when a solar company and the City, work together toward a common goal of making Annapolis a leader in solar energy. Annapolis Solar Park will help serve the city energy needs with a major source of clean, renewable solar power, generated on a site that may otherwise remain unused, decreasing the City’s operating costs while meeting carbon reduction goals.”

Mike Pantelides, Mayor of Annapolis, commented:

“This is a project was a priority of mine and has been in the works since I took office. This project is about turning a liability into an asset. This Park will turn a large plot of unused land into a revenue generator and a job creator.”