Renewable Energy Initiatives by Central Electric Power Cooperative
Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Central) is dedicated to expanding renewable energy options for its members while adhering to contractual limitations with Santee Cooper and Duke. These initiatives work to support commercial, industrial, and residential member-owners across South Carolina, helping them access renewable energy options that meet their needs while minimizing penalties for Central. Here’s a closer look at some of our key projects:
Volvo Solar Project
Showing their support for corporate sustainability goals, Central has executed a PPA with a solar developer for a project at Volvo’s manufacturing site in Berkeley County. This installation, which has been operational since March 2020, has a capacity of 6.5 MW AC.
This project helps Volvo meet its carbon-free energy targets while demonstrating Central’s capability to support its member-owners’ environmental objectives.
Horry County School Solar Projects
In Horry County, Central supports educational institutions through renewable energy projects. Two area schools, St. James Intermediate and Socastee Elementary, have rooftop solar installations with a combined energy capacity of 860kW AC and have been operational since 2018.
Central purchases half of the generated energy, while the schools use the rest to offset their energy needs, selling the rest back to Horry Electric Cooperative for net metering credits. This arrangement helps to reduce the schools’ monthly electricity bills while promoting renewable energy education.
Community Solar Projects
Central's Board has authorized up to 5 MW AC of community solar, which is accessible to all member cooperatives. Initiated in 2016, these projects include a mix of ground-mount and canopy configurations. Community solar allows members to lease solar panels, offering renewable energy access without the need for home installations.
This model is especially beneficial for renters and mobile homeowners. To date, 18 member-cooperatives participate, with the projects generating 42 GWh of energy, equivalent to the annual consumption of 36,500 homes. By the end of 2022, 4.2 MW AC of community solar capacity had come online.
Berkeley Electric Cooperative Community Solar and Battery Installation
In an innovative pilot project, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, in partnership with Central, installed a Tesla lithium-ion battery system at its community solar site. The battery has been operational since 2023 and has a maximum discharge rate of 116 kW AC and a total energy rating of 464 kWh. It charges during low-demand periods and discharges during peak hours, providing a valuable load management tool. The solar site itself has a capacity of 120 kW AC. This project serves as a model for future solar and battery installations, enhancing the cooperative's ability to manage energy demands efficiently.
Future Prospects
Central and Santee Cooper have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop up to 500 MW AC in the Santee Cooper balancing authority area. This agreement includes the 200 MW AC already in development at the Lambert 1 and 2 sites, with plans to develop an additional 300 MW of solar by 2030. This ambitious plan underscores Central's commitment to renewable energy growth, providing sustainable power solutions for its member-owners.
Central Electric Power Cooperative's renewable energy initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable energy development, benefiting the environment and supporting the diverse needs of its member-owners. Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, Central is paving the way for a cleaner energy future in South Carolina.
