LISLE, Ill. (Nov. 9, 2022)—The Morton Arboretum has entered into a 30-year power purchase agreement with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC to install a two-megawatt (MW) on-site solar array anticipated to meet 100% of the organization’s annual electricity needs beginning in 2023.

“As one of the world’s leading tree conservation organizations, The Morton Arboretum is actively pursuing transformative, environmental sustainability throughout its operations,” said James S. Fawley, the Arboretum’s interim president and CEO. “Just as trees capture and convert sunlight that strikes their leaves to create their own energy, the Arboretum will do the same by sourcing its electricity from the sun.”

The array will produce about three million kilowatt hours (KWh) annually. “We are pleased to be working with The Morton Arboretum to generate their power from clean, renewable solar,” said Matt Ulman, NextEra Energy Resources vice president of distributed generation. “On-site solar generation provides institutions like The Morton Arboretum both environmental benefits and price stability over the long term and we applaud The Morton Arboretum’s leadership in taking this step.” Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023 and will be completed next fall.

“The Arboretum is committed to being a leader in sustainability among botanical gardens,” said Rachel Novick, the Arboretum’s director of sustainability. “Renewable energy is just one aspect of our broader approach, which includes energy conservation, composting, waste reduction and fleet electrification.”