Focus

Offshore wind development blows closer to reality in California

Allen Matkins – March 16

Offshore wind development in federal waters off the California coast is rapidly moving closer to reality. Although construction and operation remains several years away, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior tasked with regulating off-shore energy development, has taken several major steps over the past year toward opening up California’s federal waters to renewable energy development. And, on the horizon for fall 2022, the agency plans to hold its first lease auction during which renewable energy developers will have an opportunity to bid for the right to develop the state’s first offshore wind farms.

News

CAISO approves $2.9B of transmission projects to enhance reliability

PV-Tech – March 21

California’s grid operator has approved a new plan to upgrade and expand the state’s transmission system as more renewables come online amid increased electrification. Approved by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) last week, the 2021-2022 plan identified 23 projects, estimated to cost $2.9 billion, for system expansions, upgrades, and reinforcements needed for reliability and to meet the state’s clean-energy targets for the next ten years. While last year’s plan was based on projections that about 1 GW of new resources would be needed annually over the following ten years, the new roadmap is based on adding about 2.7 GW per year.

Energy grants for U.S. tribes aimed at aiding vast power needs

U.S. News & World Report – March 21

More than a dozen tribal communities will share $9 million in federal grant funding for renewable energy projects, the U.S. Department of Energy announced on Monday. The 14 projects among tribes based in Arizona, Idaho, California, Alaska, Washington, New Mexico, and Minnesota are expected to produce 3.3 MW of renewable energy and 3.6 MWh of battery storage.

Lake Powell hits historic low, raising hydropower concerns

Associated Press – March 16

Lake Powell dipped below a critical threshold last Tuesday raising new concerns about a source of power that millions of people in the U.S. West rely on for electricity. The reservoir has fallen to its lowest level since the lake filled after the federal government dammed the Colorado River at Glen Canyon more than a half century ago. About 5 million customers in seven states — Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming — buy power generated at Glen Canyon Dam.

Projects

Commercial operation begins for one of California’s largest solar + storage projects

Solar Builder Magazine – March 17

The first PPA associated with a new renewable energy project between Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy has reached commercial operation. The Slate solar and energy storage project will provide 390 MW of solar and 561 MWh of storage, making it one of California’s largest integrated solar and energy storage projects. Located in Kings County, the project was developed by Recurrent Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc.

Northern Chumash Tribe and conservationists oppose Santa Barbara County offshore wind proposal

Los Angeles Times – March 21

A plan to float up to eight wind power generators less than three miles offshore has run headlong into efforts to designate a vast area of ocean off the Central Coast as a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The turbine proposal has sparked outrage among conservationists and members of the Northern Chumash Tribe, who say the sanctuary is intended to preserve Chumash tribal history and protect the area’s rich biodiversity. The marine sanctuary is the first ever to be nominated by a Native American tribe and is under consideration by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cierco Corp. and Ideol USA have submitted applications to the State Lands Commission for leases to install up to eight floating wind turbines in state waters about 2 ½ miles offshore, and within the boundaries of the Chumash marine sanctuary.

Construction of largest solar farm in the U.S. to start 'next quarter'

Recharge News – March 15

Developer Primergy Solar expects to begin construction of the giant $1.2 billion Gemini PV-plus-storage hybrid energy project on federal Mojave Desert lands in Nevada next quarter. The complex, set to be the country’s largest-ever solar development when it comes online, currently slated for “late 2023 or early 2024,” will be made up of a 690 MW capacity PV plant and a 1,416 MWh (380 MW) battery energy storage system.

Tucson-area electric co-op adding renewable energy with new solar farm

Arizona Daily Star – March 18

Customers of Marana-based Trico Electric Cooperative will soon be getting more clean power from a solar farm with battery storage the rural co-op is constructing near Catalina, Arizona. Expected to go into operation in June, the Chirreon Solar and Battery Storage Facility will have a generating capacity of 10 MW of photovoltaic power and 15 MW of battery storage. Trico is partnering on the project with Virginia-based developer Torch Clean Energy and SOLV Energy, a California-based engineering and construction firm.