Coronal Energy, powered by Panasonic and Gulf Power have completed the combined portfolio of solar facilites on Department of Defense property to date. The 120MWac Gulf Coast Solar Center spans 942 acres across three Navy and Air Force sites in Northwest Florida.
"We work hard every day to provide our customers with valuable and diverse energy solutions, and it's a special occasion to see the vision we had for this project come to life today," said Stan Connally, Gulf Power Chairman, President and CEO. "Adding clean, affordable energy to our energy grid through the innovative public-private partnership that enabled the completion of all three of the portfolio's solar facilities is a proud accomplishment for Gulf Power, and a significant milestone for the local economy, our customers and the environment."
"Considering the scale of the Gulf Coast Solar Center portfolio, collaboration between our team and the like-minded teams at the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Gulf Power has been an essential element of our success in developing these projects," said Jonathan Jaffrey, chairman and CEO of Coronal Energy™. "The result is a landmark energy project that represents what is possible when our nation's military and its leading energy companies like Gulf Power commit to renewables. We are honored to take our place alongside these partners for this historic project."
"Each installation and mission throughout the Southeast is unique and it is imperative for us [the Navy] to have the energy security and resilience needed to support the greater Navy mission. There are eight renewable generation projects that DON is supporting in the southeast and today you are seeing the completion of two solar facilities in Northwest Florida totaling 122.5 megawatt direct current," said NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin. "We are pleased to know these facilities will help provide clean energy to thousands of homes across Northwest Florida."
"The partnerships that we enjoy with the community here in Northwest Florida are incredibly gratifying," said NAS Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Bahlau. "Today we get to observe the culmination of two years' worth of teamwork and dedication to a project that has benefitted the Navy and Air Force teams, the community and the industries involved. NAS Whiting Field is committed to being a good neighbor to our communities, and I am thrilled to be a part of an endeavor that helps our local residents secure a new source of renewable energy."
Brigadier General Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing commander said, "The initiatives at Eglin AFB, along with those at Saufley and Holley, support the Department of Defense's commitment to increasing renewable energy and are an impressive display of how joint partnerships can have a positive impact on energy independence. Additionally, the revenue received for leasing the projects on Eglin lands will afford us the opportunity to invest in energy modernization initiatives, while serving as a model for military/community partnerships."
"We believe that economically favorable clean energy options are vital to our nation's economy and security," added Jaffrey. "We look forward to supporting the military as a trusted advisor as it pursues solar energy initatives on bases nationwide in a mission to modernize energy systems for reliability and resilience."