Solar energy field proposed for east Columbia
A proposed solar field in east Columbia could provide the city its largest boost of solar energy to date.
The city’s planning department will hold an informational meeting Tuesday night to discuss rezoning land on I-70 Drive Southeast, just south of I-70 and Demaret Drive.
The plan by Cypress Creek Renewables, called the Truman Solar project, would bring 44,000 solar panels to the 88-acre plot of land. Panels would be able to rotate as the sun moves east to west. Columbia Water & Light estimates that the project will generate 23,000 megawatt hours, or energy that could be used continuously for one hour.
City laws mandate that 25 percent of Columbia’s energy come from renewable sources by 2023. The Truman project is expected to generate 1.9 percent of that for the city, more than 10 times the current amount of solar energy currently produced for Columbia. A 2018 report on renewable energy said solar sources accounted for .12 percent of the city’s portfolio.
Tom O’Connor, an electrical engineer and former member of the city’s Water and Light Advisory Board, said he liked the investment in solar energy, but wished the city would invest more in building its own solar array. It currently owns and operates one field near the West Ash Pump Station.
“I wish it was more local in terms of it’s still sending money outside the local economy,” O’Connor said.
The city plans on paying Cypress Creek Renewables $44.81 per MWh produced yearly, which is expected to be a little more than $1 million each year. Water and Light also plans on building an extension of its Rebel Hill substation to the Truman project at $1.4 million.
