Comcast to purchase solar power from Grundy County facility

Comcast announced a deal on Thursday to purchase 250 megawatts of carbon-free electricity from a large solar plant being built in Grundy County.

The global media and technology company said in a news release its purchase of solar electricity from the future plant, being developed by Scout Clean Energy, will support the creation of local jobs and bring clean energy to the vast majority of its Mid-Atlantic operations.

“This marks the first of many major green investments that are already underway or on the immediate horizon which demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, responsible business,” Peter Kiriacoulacos, Comcast’s executive vice president and chief procurement officer, said in a statement.

The facility, known as the Blue Sky Project, will be located about two miles northeast of the village of Dwight, according to a project website. Blue Sky is expected to reach commercial operation by December of 2024.

The project is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs and 20 new local long-term jobs. It also is expected to generate $36.3 million in tax revenue over its lifespan, including $25.4 million for local schools, according to a news release.

Comcast said the deal is part of its goal of being carbon neutral by 2035. The agreement will allow Comcast to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with its energy use by an amount equivalent to the electricity use of more than 65,000 homes per year.

Constellation, a national supplier of clean energy, also announced its agreement to help Comcast power about 12% of its U.S. operations with the solar electricity from the Blue Sky facility.

“We are pleased to work with Comcast and Constellation to deliver carbon-free solar energy and invest $400 million into the local community, creating new sustained jobs and tax revenue for local schools,” Michael Rucker, founder and CEO of Scout Clean Energy. “Comcast’s commitment made this possible.”