Today, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced a new goal to reach 100 percent clean energy by 2026.

“We’re proud to be taking a bold step forward to ensure Baltimore County remains a statewide leader in renewable energy and helps build a greener and cleaner future for our communities,” Olszewski said. “Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to our long-term health and prosperity. That is why we are thankful for this partnership with SunPower to transform these sites into productive alternative energy sources, further reducing Baltimore County’s carbon footprint and helping us meet our renewable energy goals.”

Under a new Executive Order, the County will target generating or displacing the equivalent of 100 percent of the County’s electric demand with renewable energy by 2026. Olszewski also announced plans to partner with with SunPower Corp. to develop two new solar arrays on county landfills. The power generated is expected to reach 35 percent of the energy needed to power the County’s facilities. SunPower will install, finance, and maintain the projects located at the Hernwood and Parkton landfills that will deliver cost savings to county residents.

From the press release:

Under power purchase agreements (PPAs), the County will pay $0 upfront while SunPower and its financiers cover the cost of the arrays. Through Maryland’s “aggregate net metering” rule, Baltimore Gas & Electric will credit the solar generated at the landfills against electric loads at other County buildings. Over the next 25 years, the County will pay a flat, fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the solar generation, which is expected to save the County millions of dollars in electricity costs.

For more information, view the full press release.

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