Wake Forest University and eight other colleges and universities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania have collaborated to bring a western Kentucky solar energy center online.

A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC developed the Sebree Solar II Energy Center in Henderson County, Kentucky; the project became operational on Aug. 7, 2026. The 150-megawatt solar facility will help meet the region’s growing electricity demand, supplying enough energy annually equivalent to powering more than 20,000 homes. Sebree Solar II will also contribute more than $15.5 million in new tax revenue over the life of the facility, money that could be used by the county to enhance schools, roads and other essential services.

Coordinated by ERM Coho, the higher education consortium supporting the project with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) includes Davidson College, Dickinson College, Elon University, Haverford College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Swarthmore College and Wake Forest University.

Participating in the project will help Wake Forest University achieve its target of climate neutrality by 2040, an institutional goal set in 2020.

“The Sebree Solar II Energy Center builds on our long-term presence in Henderson County and reflects continued investment in the region,” said Lester Morales, senior project manager of development at NextEra Energy Resources. “Projects like this support local economies and contribute to meeting growing energy needs.”

While electricity generated by the Sebree Solar II Energy Center cannot be transmitted directly to the consortium campuses because geographic distance prevents the direct transmission of the electricity, the benefits of investing in new additional renewable energy will still be realized by the schools. Wake Forest University will receive renewable energy credits equal to 100% of the electricity used by its campus, which can be used to account for greenhouse gas emissions related to purchased electricity.

“Bringing the Sebree Solar II Energy Center online accelerates progress toward Wake Forest’s climate action goals.”

Dedee DeLongpré Johnston, Vice President for Institutional Sustainability and Chief Sustainability Officer

“By working together with a consortium of colleges and universities, we have been able to access a project that is typically only available to larger institutions.”

The nine colleges and universities involved in the project will also receive access to data from the Sebree Solar II Energy Center for classroom use, as well as campus speaking engagements, opportunities for site visits and student internships.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University’s motto, Pro Humanitate, reflects a commitment to academic excellence and to using ideas, knowledge and talents on behalf of humanity. The University’s Winston-Salem, N.C., campus is home to nearly 9,000 students with more studying at Wake Forest locations in Charlotte, N.C., Washington, D.C., and around the world. In addition to the undergraduate College, the University encompasses the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, as well as Schools of Business, Law, Medicine, Divinity and Professional Studies. Founded in 1834, Wake Forest embraces a University-wide approach to developing leaders of character and integrity. Learn more at www.wfu.edu.

About NextEra Energy Resources

NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, together with its affiliated entities, (“NextEra Energy Resources”) is America’s largest energy infrastructure developer and builder. The company develops, builds and operates long-term contracted power generation, battery storage and electric and gas transmission. NextEra Energy Resources also delivers integrated electric, gas supply and technology solutions to utilities, load-serving entities and businesses across the United States. As of year-end 2025, the company had approximately 37,505 megawatts of net generating capacity in operation. NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com 

About ERM Coho 

ERM Coho is a global climate adviser dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and take ambitious steps on their climate journey. We provide deep market insight, analytical problem-solving, and change management expertise so that clients can switch to renewable energy and make other large-scale climate and water resiliency investments with confidence and internal alignment. To learn more about how ERM Coho can help organizations get ahead of their climate goals, visit www.cohoclimate.com.