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County sustainability manager clarifies solar plan will cover 70% of electricity use, not total energy costs
Summary
Durham County's sustainability manager told commissioners that the Green Source Advantage project is projected to supply about 70% of county electricity use (based on 2020 figures), a step toward the board's goal of 80% renewable electricity for county operations by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Tobin Bridal, Durham County's sustainability manager, clarified details about the county's Green Source Advantage solar project during the April 28 meeting.
Bridal said the 70% figure cited in the agenda refers to electricity use, not total energy or dollars. "That was 70% of the electricity use, not the cost and not the energy," he said, noting the county's energy profile also includes natural gas, gasoline and diesel. He explained the estimate uses 2020 consumption numbers and that the planned solar field, expected online in 2027, will significantly advance the county toward the board's adopted goal of having 80% of county operations'electricity come from renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Bridal also described complementary measures under way, including adding electric vehicles to the county fleet, geothermal in the new youth home and solar on the board of elections building. The board directed staff to return with additional proposals on how to continue progress toward renewable-energy goals.
Why it matters: The clarification narrows what the 70% claim covers (electricity only) and identifies remaining gaps (transportation and heating fuels). The solar project would reduce the county's grid electricity purchases but will not eliminate all fossil-fuel uses in county operations without additional measures.
