Zelestra and AEP Energy Partners agree on 49.9 MW Gem City Solar project PPA in Ohio

Zelestra and AEP Energy Partners have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the 49.9 MW Gem City Solar project in Dayton, Ohio. Under the agreement, AEP Energy Partners will purchase all electricity generated by the project and sell it to AEP Energy, which will then supply electricity for governmental aggregation programs, including the City of Dayton’s program through the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). This project highlights the growing trend of municipalities seeking renewable energy sources to power their communities and meet sustainability goals. The Gem City Solar project is expected to supply approximately 30% of the residential load in the city’s electric aggregation program, demonstrating a significant contribution to the city's renewable energy portfolio. The deal underscores the increasing collaboration between renewable energy developers like Zelestra and established utilities like American Electric Power (AEP) to facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources. The project's urban footprint is notable, suggesting a focus on bringing renewable energy generation closer to population centers. This PPA structure allows AEP Energy Partners to secure a long-term supply of renewable energy, while providing Zelestra with a guaranteed revenue stream for the Gem City Solar project. The involvement of SOPEC further emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships in driving renewable energy adoption at the local level.