Developer

Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corp

www.jwemc.org

Total capacity of implemented projects

10 - 50 MW

Countries of projects presence

1

Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation (JWEMC) is a not-for-profit electric cooperative located in the United States. The company was founded in 1936 and serves over 32,000 members in northern Alabama. JWEMC is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its members while also promoting sustainable energy practices. In recent years, the company has been actively developing renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector.

JWEMC's commitment to renewable energy is driven by its desire to reduce its carbon footprint and provide its members with clean and sustainable energy options. The company recognizes that the use of renewable energy sources is essential to combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. As such, JWEMC has made significant investments in solar energy projects in recent years.

One of the most notable solar projects developed by JWEMC is the 2.5 MW solar farm located in Lawrence County, Alabama. The solar farm consists of over 8,000 solar panels and is capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 400 homes. The project was completed in 2019 and was the first utility-scale solar project developed by JWEMC. The solar farm is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 2,000 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to removing approximately 400 cars from the road each year.

JWEMC has also developed smaller-scale solar projects, such as rooftop solar installations on its own facilities. For example, the company installed a 30 kW solar array on the roof of its headquarters building in Trinity, Alabama. The solar array is expected to generate approximately 45,000 kWh of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the energy used by four average homes in the United States. The installation of rooftop solar panels not only reduces the company's carbon footprint but also serves as a visible example to its members of the benefits of solar energy.

In addition to its own solar projects, JWEMC has also partnered with other organizations to develop solar projects in its service area. For example, the company partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to develop a 1 MW solar project in Limestone County, Alabama. The project consists of over 3,000 solar panels and is capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 150 homes. The project was developed as part of TVA's Green Invest program, which aims to increase the amount of renewable energy generated in the Tennessee Valley region.

JWEMC's commitment to renewable energy is not limited to solar projects. The company has also developed a small hydroelectric project in partnership with the TVA. The project consists of a 50 kW turbine located at the Wheeler Dam on the Tennessee River. The turbine is capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 25 homes. The project was developed as part of TVA's Renewable Standard Offer program, which encourages the development of small-scale renewable energy projects in the region.

JWEMC's renewable energy projects have not only helped to reduce the company's carbon footprint but have also provided economic benefits to the communities it serves. The development of renewable energy projects has created jobs in the region and has helped to diversify the local economy. In addition, the use of renewable energy sources has helped to stabilize energy prices for JWEMC's members, as the cost of renewable energy continues to decline.

In conclusion, JWEMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative located in the United States that is committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its members while also promoting sustainable energy practices. The company has made significant investments in renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector. JWEMC's solar projects, including the 2.5 MW solar farm in Lawrence County, Alabama, and rooftop solar installations on its own facilities, have helped to reduce the company's carbon footprint and provide its members with clean and sustainable energy options. The company has also partnered with other organizations to develop renewable energy projects in its service area, including a small hydroelectric project and a 1 MW solar project developed in partnership with the TVA. JWEMC's commitment to renewable energy has not only helped to reduce its carbon footprint but has also provided economic benefits to the communities it serves.