Steel company Nucor signs the largest PPA in history of steel industry

2020-11-16

Nov. 13, 2020 - Nucor Corporation announced that it has signed a 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) for 250 MWAC of new solar energy in Texas. The agreement, which will enable EDFR to add more clean energy to the region’s power grid, is Nucor’s first VPPA and the largest of its kind for the steel industry.

“Nucor is one of the most efficient and cleanest steel producers in the world, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. That is why we are proud to make our production process even cleaner by supporting the development of this solar energy project,” said Leon Topalian, president and CEO of Nucor Corporation. “We are already North America’s largest recycler, and supporting the addition of more clean power to the regional grid via this agreement further demonstrates Nucor’s commitment to sustainable steelmaking.”

Construction on EDFR’s solar project is expected to begin in the summer of 2022 with production of electricity estimated to begin in 2023. Once completed, the expected annual output of the solar facility will be the equivalent of the electricity consumed by nearly 50,000 average Texas homes.

“EDF Renewables is pleased to partner with Nucor and help them with their sustainability initiatives in a cost-effective manner,” said Ryan Pfaff, executive VP of grid-scale power at EDF Renewables. “Nucor’s decision to procure solar energy allows this project to move forward into construction, which will provide an economic boost to the local economy through new construction jobs and expanded tax base.”

GreenFront Energy Partners, an alternative energy advisory firm based in Richmond, Virginia, acted as Nucor’s financial adviser on this transaction. WattTime, a clean energy-focused subsidiary of the Rocky Mountain Institute, assisted Nucor with evaluating the avoided emissions impact of the agreement.

Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel and steel products, with operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel — in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; precision castings; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating; and wire and wire mesh.