Ørsted, a global leader in renewable energy, has recently launched its largest solar project worldwide – the Mockingbird Solar Center. This massive 468-megawatt (MW) solar farm is now online and is expected to power 80,000 homes and businesses, providing a significant contribution to the Texas grid.
However, the significance of the Mockingbird Solar Center goes beyond clean energy generation. Ørsted has also made a remarkable effort to restore precious ecosystems by donating 953 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland to The Nature Conservancy. This donated land has now been transformed into the Smiley Meadow Preserve, a protected area for tallgrass prairie that is home to over 400 species of grasses and wildflowers.
Tallgrass prairies are one of the rarest ecosystems in the US, with less than 1% of Texas’ original tallgrass prairies still existing. These prairies play a crucial role in storing carbon, preventing floods, and providing habitats for pollinators. By preserving the Smiley Meadow, Ørsted is not only conserving a valuable prairie remnant but also helping to restore other prairie habitats and boost regional biodiversity.
The Mockingbird Solar Center, a half-billion-dollar project, is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion initiative to expand renewable energy production across the US. In addition to generating electricity, the project will inject $75 million into local property taxes, benefiting schools and other public services. It has also created over 550 construction jobs and will continue to provide employment opportunities for operations staff.
Ørsted collaborated with US companies like First Solar for solar panels and partnered with local businesses such as Drake Construction and Pfifer Farms for construction materials. The company also made generous donations to local volunteer fire departments in Roxton and Brookston, totaling over $50,000.
With the Mockingbird Solar Center now operational, Ørsted has over 6 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects either in operation or under construction across the US. This achievement signifies Ørsted’s commitment to sustainable energy production and environmental conservation.
If you are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. EnergySage, a free service that connects you with pre-vetted solar installers, can help you find competitive pricing and high-quality solutions. Take the first step towards a sustainable future by exploring solar options with EnergySage today.
