Project supported by world-class finance partners committed to growth of renewable energy
Sun Mountain Solar is part of a 466 megawatt, $376 million portfolio financing package for multiple solar projects. The tax equity investment for the portfolio was secured from Bank of America, marking its fourth transaction with Lightsource bp over the past two years. Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management, and other financial and risk management products and services. The company’s focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership helps it drive responsible growth.
Debt for the portfolio was provided by the following mandated lead arrangers:
The balance of the equity requirements will be invested by Lightsource bp.
Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas, Lightsource bp: “This project financing transaction is a demonstration of the continued confidence that top-tier investors have in Lightsource bp, and the quality and bankability of our solar assets. Our commitment to responsible solar development delivers further value and contributes to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals of Lightsource bp and our investment partners.”
Alice Jackson, president, Xcel Energy – Colorado: “Xcel Energy is excited to continue our leadership to serve customers with affordable carbon-free electricity, and we’re pleased to bring on Sun Mountain as part of that progress. The project with Lightsource bp takes advantage of southern Colorado’s outstanding solar resources, delivering clean energy to our system while supporting Pueblo’s economy and helping position the region as a growing renewable energy hub.”
Growing renewable energy industry is creating good-paying careers in construction
Full construction has started, with commercial operation expected by late 2022. McCarthy Building Companies was selected by Lightsource bp as the Engineer, Procure, and Construct (EPC) contractor for the project. McCarthy has a proven track record of successfully building large utility-scale projects in Colorado, including Lightsource bp’s Bighorn Solar project, also in Pueblo.
Scott Canada, senior vice president of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy & Storage team: “Partnering with Lightsource bp on another solar project in Pueblo, Colorado is very exciting – it provides another opportunity to offer McCarthy’s craft and foreman training programs, which are used at our Lightsource bp projects, and opens the door to new exciting careers in the rapidly growing solar industry for more area residents. We are proud of the success of our programs as many of those who helped build Bighorn Solar will be transitioning to join our team at Sun Mountain, furthering their careers while helping to expand Colorado’s diverse energy infrastructure.”
The Sun Mountain Solar project will create 300 jobs during the 12-to-14-month construction period, to be filled mainly by local workers. Nearly 100 of the workers from Bighorn Solar will be transitioning to construct Sun Mountain, with 200 additional workers to be recruited from the local community.
Sixto Reyes, Pueblo resident and native, pile driver at Bighorn Solar, now working at Sun Mountain: “I used to be in the restaurant industry. That just wasn’t a good fit for me and my family because of the pay and odd hours. Working in solar means that I have the opportunity to build a career in which I can not only grow and advance but also have more quality time with my family. The job creation that has come with these two solar projects is awesome for our area.”
About Lightsource bp
Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and a 50:50 joint venture with bp. Our purpose is to deliver affordable and sustainable solar power for businesses and communities around the world. Our team includes over 600 industry specialists, working across 15 countries. We provide full scope development for our projects, from initial site selection, financing and permitting through to long-term management of solar projects and power sales to our clients. Lightsource bp in the U.S. is headquartered in San Francisco with development offices in Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Austin. For more information visit lightsourcebp.com, follow us on Twitter @lightsourceBP and Instagram @lightsourcebp or view our LinkedIn page.
This content was originally published here.
