The city of Philadelphia is finalizing the agreement to launch its second large-scale solar project. This consolidates its strategy for transitioning to a cleaner, more affordable, and resilient energy model.
The new project, called Abes Run Solar, will have a capacity of 20 MW and is based on the success of the power purchase agreement (PPA) previously signed with the Adams Solar facility.
A significant contribution to municipal consumption
Once completed, Abes Run Solar will supply approximately 5% of municipal electricity consumption, equivalent to six times the annual consumption of the City Hall. The PPA contract will guarantee the city 20 years of fixed-rate electricity, offering budget stability and predictability in a context of rising energy prices.
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) signed the contract with Oriden Power, a company of Mitsubishi Power Americas based in Pittsburgh. The agreement ensures economic savings and advances the goal of powering municipal operations with 100% clean and renewable electricity.
Energy integrated into the regional grid
The project will be developed on a 92-acre site in Clearfield County. The energy generated will be integrated into the regional grid, offsetting higher-cost supplies and allowing Philadelphia to receive renewable energy credits through the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.
Institutional statements
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the project’s impact:
“My administration is committed to progress that generates cleaner air, lower costs, and a more resilient future. With projects like Abes Run Solar, the city of Philadelphia is setting an example. We will achieve affordable, carbon-free electricity for decades. We will create well-paying jobs. And we will make our city cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Lankenau, Director of the Office of Sustainability, emphasized:
“This project meets all our goals: supplying 20 megawatts of clean and green energy, moving us closer to the goal of 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity, and providing us with fixed-price coverage for 20 years.”
Continuity of the solar strategy
Abes Run Solar will be Philadelphia’s second utility-scale PPA following the success of Adams Solar, a 70 MW facility completed in 2024. Together, both projects will supply renewable energy equivalent to 30% of municipal electricity needs.
Goals towards 2030
The project is part of a multi-year strategy defined in the Municipal Energy Master Plan, which sets ambitious goals:
- Reduce carbon emissions from the built environment by 50%.
- Decrease energy consumption in the building sector by 20%.
- Achieve 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations.
- Maintain or reduce the city’s operational costs.
The Office of Sustainability modeled future energy prices and agreed on a competitive structure that ensures affordable supplies in a scenario where increased consumption and carbon emissions are expected throughout the region.
With Abes Run Solar, Philadelphia reaffirms its leadership in urban energy transition. The project not only guarantees clean and affordable electricity for two decades but also strengthens climate resilience, boosts job creation, and puts the city on the path to meeting its sustainability goals for 2030.
