Williams operations at two sites in northeast Pennsylvania now are powered in part by the sun.

Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are operating at Station 605 in Wyoming County and Station 610 in Columbia County.

“These projects minimize Williams’ emissions footprint and reduce energy costs by shifting electricity usage from on-peak periods to off-peak periods,” said Michael Fonk, director of business development for Williams’ New Energy Ventures team.

The solar facilities have a combined capacity of 22 megawatts (MW), while the battery systems can store and release approximately 48 MW hours.

By storing solar energy not being used by the station, it can be accessed when energy pricing is highest. Additionally, the facilities are expected to offset an estimated 13,000 metric tons of CO2 each year.

Station 610 will also have agriculture benefits with the addition of pollinator plants and sheep grazing. Pollinator-friendly plants require less mowing, help sustain bees and other insect populations and have deep root systems to aid in erosion control.

And any necessary mowing will be tackled by a herd of sheep to be managed by a local shepherd contracted by Williams. Sheep cause less damage to solar panels than traditional mowing practices and enrich the soil through rotational grazing.

“Incorporating agrivoltaics into our solar arrays reinforces Williams commitment to environmental sustainability efforts, provides an opportunity to engage the farming community and allows the property to have dual use,” Fonk said.

Additionally, the company has contracted with the city of Lakeland, Florida, for a 74.8 MW solar facility to power homes and businesses.

The project, which will be designed and built by Williams, is sited on land owned by Williams for decades that was unsuited for traditional real estate development, making it an ideal site for solar energy productions.

Expected to be in service in early 2027, the project will significantly add to the 15 MW of solar that is currently part of the Lakeland Electric generation portfolio.

“Solar power is a natural partner to natural gas,” said Jaclyn Presnal, Vice President of New Energy Ventures at Williams. “It can help power our operations and cities like Lakeland, while across the nation, natural gas is a reliable backup when the sun isn’t shining.”