Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled a bold plan to transition half of all state agencies to solar power, marking a significant step towards renewable energy adoption in the state.
The initiative, known as the Pennsylvania Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PA PULSE), aims to derive 50 percent of the state’s electricity from 10 new solar plants strategically located across Pennsylvania. If successful, Pennsylvania would become the first state in the nation to generate half of its energy from solar power.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the historic nature of the PA PULSE initiative, highlighting its origins under the previous administration. He stated that the initiative demonstrates the state’s ability to simultaneously invest in reliable and affordable long-term power solutions while addressing climate change concerns.
As part of the plan, Governor Shapiro’s administration intends to create energy jobs and take tangible steps towards mitigating climate change impacts. The initiative is expected to result in cost savings for consumers while ensuring the state maintains energy independence in the future.
The Department of General Services has already entered into a 15-year fixed price contract with energy company Constellation to support the implementation of the initiative. This contract guarantees a stable rate, offering protection against potential energy cost fluctuations.
Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez expressed pride in partnering with Governor Shapiro on this groundbreaking project, emphasizing the importance of powering vital state agencies with clean energy and advancing towards a carbon-free future.
Governor Shapiro’s ambitious plan is projected to create over 14,500 jobs within the state, positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in renewable energy adoption. The installation of 10 solar arrays across six counties will supply electricity to 16 state agencies, significantly reducing the state’s carbon footprint by 157,800 metric tons of CO2 annually – equivalent to removing 34,000 gas-powered cars from the road each year.
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