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Happy Holidays!
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As we bid farewell to the year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and active involvement.
We recognize the importance of staying connected, and we are continuously striving to enhance our methods of how we engage with you. This year, we have embraced a digital approach to distribute our Holiday Newsletter. We genuinely value your feedback and want to ensure that we are providing updates in a manner that suits your needs and preferences. If you can take a few moments to complete this LANDOWNER SURVEY, you will have the opportunity to let us know how you would like to stay informed about our projects and company updates moving forward. We greatly appreciate your participation.
In 2023, our Community Engagement team expanded significantly, with the addition of dedicated regional representatives. These representatives are fully committed in ensuring that any concerns or questions you may have are addressed promptly and effectively by providing you with a direct line of communication to us.
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We remain steadfast in our commitment to being responsible and caring members of the communities we serve. In line with this commitment, we are proud to share that we have donated over $354,000 to a range of organizations including those dedicated to supporting first responders, ensuring food security, and empowering youth and seniors. These donations have been made on behalf of our projects, as a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact beyond our immediate scope.
May this holiday season bring you warmth, happiness, and countless moments of joy. Thank you for your invaluable support and involvement, as we are excited to continue our efforts in uplifting and supporting the communities we are privileged to be a part of.
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Best wishes,
Jinnie Hall
Associate Director, Community Engagement
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Landowner Helpline Provider Upgrade
During the summer, our Land & Community Engagement (LCE) team made a strategic decision to upgrade the Landowner Helpline provider. This upgrade was driven by our commitment to continuously improve our services and ensure that landowners receive the highest quality of support from our team. We recognize the vital role that landowners play in our projects, and wanted to ensure we are able to address landowners' needs promptly and efficiently. The benefits of switching to our new provider include:
The Landowner Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00 pm CT via 1.844.943.0723 (toll-free) and at Landowner@edf-re.com to address inquiries about payments, change of address, general project questions or anything else our landowners may need.
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Project Updates
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Fox Squirrel Solar Project
Fox Squirrel Solar is a ground-mount solar photovoltaic facility under construction in Madison County, Ohio. The total project plans to deliver 577 MWac of clean, renewable energy to the utility grid by the end of 2024. Once operational, the project will generate little to no perceptible noise outside of the fence line, no odor, no material increase in traffic after construction, no pollution and will have minimal impact on the surrounding community.
The first phase of the Fox Squirrel Solar Project, supporting 650 temporary workers at peak construction installing more than 10,000 modules a day, become operational in mid-December. This first phase of 150 MWac will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 40,000 average homes. Enbridge Inc. became a 50 percent partner in the Fox Squirrel Solar Project in November 2023.
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Arrow Canyon Solar and Storage
The 275 MW solar/75 MW-5hr Arrow Canyon Solar and Storage Project, located in Clark County, Nevada, became operational in 2023. EDF Renewables signed a PPA with NV Energy for the Arrow Canyon Solar Project.
Located on the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians Reservation, 20 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Arrow Canyon Solar Project benefits the Moapa Tribe and local community over its operating life through land lease, tax and other payments and 250-600 temporary construction related jobs. Arrow Canyon is also specially designed to generate clean energy while minimizing impacts to wildlife, habitat, and other environmental resources of the Moapa tribal lands. The project utilizes high-efficiency bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in conjunction with a tier 1 energy storage system supplier.
In addition to its economic benefits for the Tribe and Clark County, the project utilizes an innovative design to generate enough clean energy to meet the consumption of up to 76,000 average Nevada homes. This is equivalent to avoiding more than 632,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually which represents the greenhouse gas emissions from 137,000 passenger vehicles driven over the course of one year.
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2023 Zero Harm Site Recognition
At EDF Renewables, the safety and well-being of our employees and project sites are of utmost importance to us. To reinforce this commitment, our Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability (HSES) team launched the Zero Harm program. This program aims to recognize and celebrate sites that have achieved an extended period without any recordable injuries.
To be eligible for recognition under the Zero Harm program, sites must meet specific criteria that encompass both past and present injury history. These criteria include:
- No recordable injuries for the designated time-frame
- 100% completion of SafeStart training
- Individual technician Proactive Reporting Rate goal met
- 100% completion of Payday Friday safety training
Congratulations to our 2023 Honorees
7 YEAR SITES
10 YEAR SITES
7 YEARS INJURY FREE
Lakefield Wind, Jackson County, MN
The 200 MW Wind Project spans approximately 20,000 acres and has been in operation since 2011.
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Front (L-R): Wyatt Enger, Chris Ditto (Travel Team), Johnny Cervantes (Travel Team), Koltyn Bradley, Kyle Heidt, Shaun Swanson, Kevin Dinneen, Qing Fang (VP - Operations), Matt Stapleton
Back (L-R): Tad Miller, Josh Zeitz (Site Manager), Tanner Kroon, Jaramya DesLauriers, Dakotah Schmid, Austin Swalve
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10 YEARS INJURY FREE
Pacific Wind, Kern County, CA
The Pacific Wind team, led by Site Manager Jesse Sanchez, includes Tommy Gurley (Sr. Wind Technician), Javier Garcia and Henry Perez (Advanced Wind Technicians), and Austin Sigston (Wind Technician) achieved ten consecutive years without a single workplace incident.
The team attributes their success to a strong sense of unity and a "family" culture that they extend to anyone who steps foot on their facility. This culture encourages a vigilant approach to looking out for each other's well-being.
During the celebration — which included a barbecue and heartfelt recognition within the team — they also discussed the significance of open communication and collaboration. They emphasized the importance of everyone within the organization playing a role in maintaining a culture of safety, where each individual's voice matters.
Achieving ten consecutive years without a workplace incident is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of the entire Pacific Wind team. Their tireless efforts have created a workplace environment that not only values safety but also cherishes the well-being of each other.
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L-R: Javier Garcia, Henry Perez, Austin Sigston, Jonathan Garcia, Daniel Cortez, Erik Elam, Jesse Sanchez, Hugo Galindo, Mark Johnson, Darren Smith, Tommy Gurley, Carlos Vega, Michael Brady, Josh Pearson, Blaine Sundwall, Clark Michael, Carlos Vazquez, Nino Campos, Irene Ibarra (Pearce)
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10 YEARS INJURY FREE
Chestnut Flats
The Chestnut Flats team, led by Site Manager Justin Biter, includes Dylan Weyandt and Thomas Skebeck (Advanced Wind Technicians), and Thomas Berg (Senior Technician wind and solar) achieved ten consecutive years without a single workplace incident.
The team attributes their success to a brother's keeper culture that they extend to anyone who works or supports their facility. This culture encourages open communications between all personal onsite as well as support teams and contractors, open communications, and clear standards for how you conduct yourself onsite are the foundation for a culture of safety and respect.
This achievement was not an easy task but a true testament to the team's dedication to safety and accountability for their actions and those who are guests onsite.
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L-R: Dylan Weyandt, Justin Viter (Site Manager), Thomas Berg and Thomas Skebeck.
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EDF Renewables in the Community
Doña Ana Community College
EDF Renewables North America announced a $50,000 contribution towards an endowment in partnership with Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and the New Mexico State University Foundation in December, 2023. The endowment aims to provide scholarships for students in the Advanced Technologies division at DACC pursuing either a Certificate of Completion or Associate in Applied Science, with a focus on Building Construction Technology or Electrical Programs.
The establishment of this endowment reflects EDF Renewables' commitment to the long-term success of DACC, particularly as the college celebrates its 50th anniversary. In addition, DACC has pledged a 100% match to each scholarship.
Houston Team Competes in Charity Run for Children's Recovery
EDF Renewables Houston office (Telly Manos, Alan Blaesser and Tucker Cox) competed in the Headwaters of the Frio 12K charity trail run, representing EDFR as a team sponsor. The fundraiser supports children who have been victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. The event was a cross country-style race through remote rugged terrain on the Hill Country Youth Ranch near Leakey, Texas.
Through generous donations from employees on the Grid-Scale Power team, as well as a 150% EDFR-sponsored company match, the participants were able to raise over $3,000 for the cause, qualifying EDF Renewables as a Gold-Level sponsor. Overall the race was a huge success, with all members of the team finishing in the top half of competitive times with zero-safety incidents.
Shiloh Wind Team Serves Local Rio Vista Community
Our Shiloh Wind site team went above and beyond to serve the local community of Rio Vista, California, and represent EDF Renewables.
Victor Chat (Site Manager), Raul Nuno (Senior Operations Manager), Jason Weeks (Lead Technician) and Oscar Rosas (Wind Technician) volunteered to support local non-profit, RioVision, as they put on their annual Hog August Bites Rib and Chili Cook Off. This fun day of community togetherness serves as a yearly tradition for the city of Rio Vista to celebrate the summer and raise funds for the organization.
The Shiloh Wind team also donated $2,500 to RioVision, helping them continue supporting community projects like bleachers and a table for Egbert Field. Funding also went towards the purchase of three vans for Rio Vista High School and picnic table shade covers at Promenade Park, supporting local youth groups and more.
King Creek Team Brightens Up the Holidays for Local Families
King Creek Wind 1 & King Creek Wind 2 teams in Haskell, Texas donated $3,100 in project funds to support the community's annual Angel Tree project, which provided 31 families each with a $100 gift card at the local grocery store.
Cameron Short (BOP Site Supervisor) brought forth the initiative to the team through research and deep ties to the community. Cheers to Cameron for his compassion and for making a significant impact on the small community.
Sumac & Sweetleaf Solar Support Local High School Students
For the second year in a row, our Sumac and Sweetleaf Solar teams supported local high school students through a career event and scholarship awards.
Adam Batiste (Project Developer), Laura Precourt (Associate Project Developer), and Stephanie Sierra-Miller (Manager, Community Engagement) participated in a High School Career Fair event in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, put on by the Center for Energy Education (C4EE). More than 20 companies participated, including EDF Renewables, and an estimated 200 kids came to learn about careers in the solar energy field.
Following the event, EDFR awarded three scholarships on behalf of our Sumac and Sweetleaf Solar projects to students who attended and applied for the scholarships.
Genesee Road Solar Team Engages Local Community at Arts Crawl
For the second consecutive year, the Genesee Road Solar + Storage team participated in the annual Arts Crawl in Springville, New York.
Over 50 solar-changing beaded bracelets were made and many more smiles shared, keeping the community engaged and excited! Participants learned how the sun can power many things — from the color in the bracelets to their homes — through grid-scale solar like that provided by EDF Renewables!
Jonathan Geldard, Project Developer, led the activity, educating community members and assisting them in creating their bracelets.
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EDF Renewables in the News
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EDF Renewables North America Selects SOLARCYCLE to be its Preferred Solar Recycling Partner
EDF Renewables North America signed an agreement with SOLARCYCLE, a technology-based solar recycling company, to recycle solar panels damaged or broken during construction and operation, from their grid-scale, distribution-scale, and onsite solar sites.
Read More
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EDF Renewables North America Signs Agreement with El Paso Electric for Solar+Storage Project
EDF Renewables North America announced the execution of a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with El Paso Electric (EPE). The PPA covers the output from the 150 MWac Milagro Solar and the 75 MW / 300 MWh Milagro Storage Project, which areslated for commercial operation in 2025.
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EDF Renewables North America Places Multi-Year Order for Up to 7 GW of Canadian Solar's Made-in-USA Modules
Canadian Solar Inc. and EDF Renewables North America today announced the signing of a multi-year module supply agreement to deliver up to 7-gigawatts (GW) of high efficiency solar modules to be produced at Canadian Solar's new factory in Mesquite, Texas.
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EDF Renewables North America Signs Agreement with Indiana Michigan Power for Solar Energy Projects
EDF Renewables North America announced two agreements on April 3, 2023, with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), I&M will purchase the output from Sculpin Solar, 236 MWdc under a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA); and will purchase 100% of the equity interests in Lake Trout Solar, 318 MWdc, following completion of construction activities under a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA). Both projects are located in Indiana.
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EDF Renewables North America Signs Agreement with Southern California Public Power Authority to Provide 117 MWac of Solar Energy
EDF Renewables North America announced a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for the energy and renewable attributes related to the 148 MWdc Sapphire Solar project. Sapphire Solar is guaranteed to begin delivery of carbon-free electricity to SCPPA's Participating Members, Anaheim, Pasadena and Vernon, by December 31, 2026. In addition to the solar production, SCPPA reserves the option to a 59 MWac x 4-hour battery energy storage system.
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Meet the staff who contributed to this newsletter and provide Community Engagement service to your projects every day.
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Leif Clark
Community Engagement Manager, South
Leif enjoys learning about the specific needs and opportunities in each community and connecting residents and organizations with resources and information to support their goals. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and SCUBA diving.
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Henry Smith
Community Engagement Manager, West
Henry was born and raised in San Diego, California with the western states being near and dear to his heart. His favorite thing about the West Region is the cultural and geographical diversity it holds. Henry received his bachelor's degree in psychology from San Jose State University and loves to run, surf, and soak in the California sun in his free time.
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Stephanie Miller
Community Engagement Manager, North
Stephanie has been with EDF Renewables North America for 8 years and has over 20 years of experience in media and public relations and crisis communications. Stephanie enjoys gardening, golfing and any DIY project around the house.
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Haylee Ferington
Community Engagement Manager, Northeast
Haylee brings passion driven partnerships and programs to New York communities through her rural New York upbringing and in raising her young family Upstate. Haylee began working for EDFR in 2021 and has enjoyed bringing a creative edge to events across New York. She holds a Masters of the Environment in Sustainable Planning and Management. You can find her playing in the woods with her children or drawing cartoons for them in her spare time.
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Alexis Vencill
Landowner Liaison Supervisor
Alexis is a passionate advocate for renewable energy and community engagement and is all about making a positive impact through the communication and personalized support that she and her team can provide. When she's not working, you can find Alexis hosting engaging community events for families or delivering high-quality performances on stage. With a diverse skill set and a dedication to renewable energy advocacy, she is thrilled to continue forming relationships with communities and enhancing her team's ability to provide landowner support.
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Jinnie Hall
Associate Director, Community Engagement
Jinnie leads the Community Engagement efforts at EDF Renewables North America, focusing on creating long-term strategies to ensure local engagement, landowner/community support and philanthropy efforts continue throughout the lifecycle of a project. Jinnie's overall motto - hearts before minds. Recognizing the human component to each project's success or failure, she enters each community tasked with satiating emotions before expecting minds to be ready to absorb the facts. She's offered an empathetic ear while personally assisting with community relations & engagement efforts during the construction of nearly 6 GW's and more than 23 GW of development stage projects primarily in the North and South regions of EDF forging many relationships at each project site along the way.
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