Construction has started on the 134-MWDC/107-MWAC Arche Solar project in Fulton County, Ohio. Arche is expected to create around 200 U.S. jobs across the supply chain during construction and provide more than $30 million in revenue to benefit local schools and other public services over the life of the project.

Oil and gas company bp commissioned the project and has secured a power-purchase agreement with Facebook’s parent company Meta for the array. Once completed, Arche will generate enough clean energy annually to power the equivalent of more than 20,000 US homes.

“This agreement shows how companies can create jobs, invest in the U.S. economy and, at the same time, support net-zero ambitions and help the world reduce carbon emissions,” said Dave Lawler, bp America chairman and president. “It’s another example of bp partnering to accelerate change and becoming an integrated energy company — one that can help corporations, countries and cities decarbonize.”

bp’s joint-venture partner, Lightsource bp, developed the project on behalf of its parent company and is managing construction.

“We appreciate bp’s partnership in helping keep our commitment to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy,” said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Meta. “In addition to adding new energy to the grid, we are proud that this project will bring additional jobs and investment to Ohio.”

McCarthy Building Cos.‘s Renewable Energy & Storage team was selected as the main contractor for the project, which will include installing solar panels and single-axis trackers from U.S.-based manufacturers First Solar and Nextracker, respectively.

The project is part of bp’s plans to develop 20 GW of net renewable generating capacity by 2025 and 50 GW by 2030.

News item from bp