Harnessing the Sun

Middletown embraces solar innovation with DEMEC’s floatovoltaics project

BY HEATHER CONTANT

RENEWABLE ENERGY REMAINS a highly dynamic and significant topic in the electric industry. Over the years, the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) has actively supported its member communities’ sustainability interests. Through strategic timing and planning, DEMEC develops economic projects that produce multiple benefits. Through innovative projects such as floatovoltaics, otherwise known as floating solar panels, DEMEC members can do more for their communities and environment.

The Town of Middletown approved a 3-megawatt (MW) floating solar generation project atop one of its wastewater treatment ponds in May 2024. This initiative will deploy approximately 5,115 solar panels to generate clean, emission-free electricity. DEMEC expects to complete contract negotiations before the end of the summer. According to Kevin Lane, electric director for the town, the project is expected to be operational by mid-2025.

Lane shared, “The town has harbored an interest in implementing a large-scale renewable energy project for several years.” The project’s costs declined by over 25% in the past decade, greatly contributing to its economic viability.

DEMEC’s floating solar project in Middletown will mark the first of its kind in Delaware and one of a few nationwide. “By situating it to float atop a wastewater treatment pond, we are not only increasing the amount of renewable energy in DEMEC’s power supply portfolio, but also preserving valuable economic development real estate,” stated Kimberly Schlichting, DEMEC president and CEO.

In addition to the nearly 29MW of in-state solar power that DEMEC and its members currently own, along with 71MW of wind energy, this project further enhances municipals’ renewable energy portfolio by lowering DEMEC’s cost for solar renewable energy credits. The fourth and final major project benefit is that it also reduces algae growth in the pond.

Schlichting explained, “I am always looking for savings opportunities for DEMEC’s members, projects that can offer two-for-one or provide economies of scale. What I like most about this project is that it is a four-for-one.”

Renewable energy currently constitutes over 26% of DEMEC’s power supply, a figure poised to increase as DEMEC members work towards meeting Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard of 40% by 2035. DEMEC strategically owns over half of its power supply through diverse generation assets to mitigate risk and uphold reliability standards. Since 2005, DEMEC has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by over 50% through steadfast commitment to sustainability initiatives and energy reduction programs.

Significant carbon savings are achieved through energy efficiency measures. Since 2018, DEMEC’s energy efficiency program has yielded lifetime customer savings totaling $29.4 million and achieved energy savings equivalent to 247,629 megawatt-hours (MWh). This equates to the elimination of 190,649,542 pounds of coal burned or preserving 201,972 acres of mature forest.

“For years, our town has contemplated the idea of floating solar,” Lane continued. “Now, we are turning that vision into reality, and I am deeply appreciative of DEMEC’s staff for their unwavering support over the past decade as Middletown pursued its journey towards becoming a cleaner, greener community.”

Heather Contant is director of government and community relations at Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation.