Zelestra has entered into a long-term PPA with AEP Energy Partners for the 49.9 MW Gem City Solar project in Ohio

• • • · The long-term PPA between Zelestra and AEP Energy Partners will enable the construction of the 49.9 MW Gem City Solar project in Dayton, Ohio.
    • · The project is in advanced development and will begin full construction early in 2027, with full operations anticipated by year-end.
    • · AEP Energy Partners will sell electric energy to its retail affiliate AEP Energy, which supplies power to the City of Dayton’s community aggregation program through an agreement with SOPEC (Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council).

Zelestra, a global, multi-technology, customer-focused renewable energy company, today announced a new long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AEP Energy Partners (AEPEP), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) for the total electricity produced at the proposed 49.9 MW Gem City Solar project in Dayton, Ohio.

This project will be one of the largest solar generating facilities within a city limit in the U.S.

Zelestra is now advancing its construction planning programme for the project. Full work on the project is anticipated to begin in early 2027, with the project fully operational by the year-end.

“AEP Energy is focused on providing customers with energy supply that delivers long-term price stability and environmental benefits. Agreements like the one with Zelestra demonstrate the innovative energy solutions we can put in place to help our customers.” said Brian Whitlatch, senior vice president, AEP Energy.

Phil North, Zelestra’s U.S. CEO, said: “With the AEP Energy Partners PPA, we’re pleased that the Gem City solar project can begin construction in the near future. Zelestra is committed to delivering the project to the highest possible standards for AEP Energy Partners, Inc.”

Zelestra is advancing its position in the U.S. energy landscape with innovative, multi-technology solutions tailored to the evolving needs of retail electricity suppliers, hyperscalers and corporate partners. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company is developing a robust portfolio of approximately 15 GW of renewable energy projects across key markets.