Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has accomplished building and commenced operations of its 100-MW Rabbitbrush Photo voltaic Facility positioned in Kern County, California. The ability additionally features a 20-MW, 50-MWh battery power storage system.
The power generated by the challenge will serve two not-for-profit, community-owned electrical energy suppliers, Central Coast Group Vitality (CCCE) and Silicon Valley Clear Vitality (SVCE), by means of two 15-year energy buy agreements (PPAs). LRE, CCCE and SVCE hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Rabbitbrush Photo voltaic Facility earlier at this time to have fun the beginning of operations on the facility.
“LRE is proud to accomplice with CCCE and SVCE on a monumental challenge that may present important financial and environmental advantages,” stated Jason Allen, CEO of LRE’s. “Bringing this challenge on-line is one other instance of how we handle our initiatives in alignment with our core values of defending and respecting the surroundings within the communities the place we function. Our focus is on offering steady worth to native communities whereas constructing and sustaining robust, long-term relationships.”
Rabbitbrush Photo voltaic will serve the wants of practically 40,000 properties per yr. Moreover, as a part of LRE’s continued dedication to preserving and defending the surroundings, the corporate signed an settlement with the Nationwide Audubon Society and Kern Audubon Society to contribute $150,000 to a fund for the research and conservation of the Swainson’s Hawk within the Antelope Valley.
“Accountable renewable power growth and wildlife conservation go hand in hand, and LRE’s contribution to the essential Swainson’s Hawk Conservation Fund will assist hawks within the Antelope Valley of California survive and thrive,” stated Garry George, director of the Nationwide Audubon Society’s Clear Vitality Initiative. “We’re happy to collaborate with LRE as we advance habitat conservation and clear power in Kern and Los Angeles Counties, and we look ahead to partnering with different firms within the area to make sure renewable power services keep away from, reduce, and mitigate the impacts on birds and different wildlife.”
LRE additionally contributed financial and job advantages to Kern County, together with lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} by means of neighborhood donations and challenge charges that fund crucial public companies. Moreover, the challenge generated gross sales and property tax advantages, and created 380 union jobs throughout peak building.
“The Rabbitbrush challenge is Central Coast Group Vitality’s second photo voltaic + storage energy buy settlement to come back on-line this yr,” stated Rob Shaw, COO of CCCE. “Coupling photo voltaic technology with battery storage permits us to maneuver nearer to a decarbonized power grid and statewide emission-reduction targets. CCCE is dedicated to investing in innovation whereas delivering dependable power to our clients.”
The Rabbitbrush Photo voltaic Facility options ultra-low carbon, thin-film photovoltaic photo voltaic modules that use much less power, water and semiconductor materials. Moreover, the challenge’s 20-MW, 50-MWh battery power storage system is designed to assist the resiliency and reliability of the California electrical grid.
“Rabbitbrush helps Silicon Valley Clear Vitality ship on its dedication to offer clear, reasonably priced, and dependable electrical energy,” stated Monica Padilla, COO and director of Energy assets at SVCE. “As SVCE communities shift away from fossil fuels to affect properties and buildings, new initiatives like Rabbitbrush that add carbon-free capability and reliability to the grid are key.”
Information merchandise from Leeward Renewable Vitality
