You Asked: How much output does FPB’s solar array produce in the heat? – The State Journal

You Asked: How much output does FPB’s solar array produce in the heat? – The State Journal

Impact of Recent Heat Wave on Frankfort Plant Board’s Community Solar Array

Overview of Heat Conditions

Last week, Franklin County experienced a severe heat wave characterized by:

  • Temperatures reaching the 90s (°F)
  • High humidity levels sustained over seven consecutive days
  • Heat index values exceeding 100°F

These extreme weather conditions posed challenges for both people and animals in the region.

Community Solar Array Performance

Despite the harsh heat, the Frankfort Plant Board’s community solar array demonstrated excellent performance during this period. The solar installation contributed significantly to sustainable energy generation, supporting the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By harnessing solar power, the community solar array promotes access to reliable and sustainable energy sources.
  2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The use of renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change impacts.
  3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project supports resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Community Engagement and Leadership

The ribbon-cutting event for the community solar array brought together key stakeholders, including Frankfort Plant Board staff, board members, and local officials. Participants included:

  • Vent Foster
  • Gary Zheng
  • Dr. Koffi Akakpo
  • Secretary Rebecca Goodman
  • John Snyder
  • Mayor Layne Wilkerson
  • Judge-Executive Michael Mueller
  • Jeffrey Nazarko
  • Commissioner Katrisha Waldridge
  • Commissioner Kelly May
  • Travis McCullar
  • Kathryn Dutton-Mitchell

This collaboration exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing sustainable development initiatives.

Conclusion

The recent heat wave underscored the critical role of renewable energy infrastructure in enhancing community resilience and sustainability. The Frankfort Plant Board’s community solar array not only withstood extreme weather conditions but also contributed to advancing multiple SDGs, reinforcing the community’s commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    • The article discusses the Frankfort Plant Board’s community solar array, highlighting the use of solar energy as a clean and renewable source.
  2. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • The heat wave and high temperatures mentioned indicate climate-related challenges, emphasizing the importance of climate action.
    • The community solar array contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy.
  3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • The heat advisory and its impact on people and animals relate to health risks associated with extreme weather events.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

  1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  2. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
    • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning.
  3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

  1. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
    • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption — implied by the operation and output of the community solar array.
  2. For SDG 13 (Climate Action)
    • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population — implied by the heat advisory and its impact on people and animals.
    • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year — indirectly implied through the promotion of solar energy reducing emissions.
  3. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
    • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution — implied by health risks related to the heat wave.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
SDG 13: Climate Action 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning
13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution

Source: state-journal.com