Enbridge and EDF Renewables celebrated a significant milestone in renewable energy today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Fox Squirrel Solar project in Madison County, Ohio. This initial phase, featuring 1.4 million panels and 159 inverters, represents one of the largest utility-scale solar developments east of the Mississippi. At peak construction, 650 workers installed 10,000 panels daily, highlighting the project’s scale and efficiency.
During the event, Amazon announced power purchase agreements for the entire generation capacity of the Fox Squirrel project. This agreement aligns with Amazon’s commitment to match all its electricity usage with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, a goal the company is on track to achieve by 2025.
Thomas Carbone, Enbridge’s vice president of power business development, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand Enbridge’s presence in Ohio. “Fox Squirrel is a key part of our commitment to the energy transition and our plans to continue investing in these types of projects,” Carbone said. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration as the company advances construction on Phases 2 and 3.
The first phase of Fox Squirrel has a generation capacity of 150 megawatts of solar energy. Phase 2, expected to be operational by mid-2024, will add up to 250 MW, while Phase 3, slated for late 2024, will contribute an additional 177 MW. The project reinforces the longstanding partnership between Enbridge and EDF Renewables, which began with four wind projects in Canada 12 years ago and now includes several offshore wind projects in France.
Enbridge’s operations in Ohio now encompass renewable power, liquids pipelines, natural gas transmission pipelines, and gas utilities. The company’s solar power initiatives, which began in southwestern Ontario in 2008, continue to grow, with the number of homes powered by their solar investments surpassing 45,000 annually, excluding partners’ stakes.
Carbone expressed his satisfaction with the progress made alongside EDF Renewables, stating, “I am so pleased at how far we’ve come on this journey with our partners, EDF Renewables, and all we’ve achieved together.”
The Fox Squirrel Solar project exemplifies the vital role of renewable energy in meeting corporate sustainability goals and supporting economic growth in Ohio, illustrating the state’s commitment to attracting business and fostering a sustainable future.
For more information visit www.enbridge.com
