California CCA now partially powered by 250-MW desert solar project

Valley Clean Energy (VCE) announced that it is now receiving power from a new solar project in Kings County, California. VCE signed a 15-year contract to purchase 50 MW of renewable power with Aquamarine Westside’s 250-MW array. This contract will replace current short-term power contracts, allowing VCE to deliver higher levels of renewable power at competitive prices.

The Aquamarine project is located in CIM Group’s Westlands Solar Park, a master-planned clean energy park with over 2 GW of solar production potential.

“Valley Clean Energy is excited to begin receiving renewable electricity from CIM Group’s Aquamarine project. This long-term partnership is a win-win enterprise, generating cost-effective solar power on land that is unusable for agriculture,” said Dan Carson, Davis City Councilmember and VCE board chair.

The Aquamarine project was selected via a solicitation process in which dozens of projects competed. The decision was based on criteria adopted by the VCE board designed to select cost-effective California-based renewable projects that minimize impacts on prime farmland, provide local jobs and avoid environmentally sensitive resources. Westlands Solar Park scored well in all areas and has strong support from both agricultural and environmental organizations.

“We’re proud to add more long-term renewables to our power portfolio, and to keep renewable electricity affordable for all our customers. Having more clean, renewable sources is a step toward a better energy future for California,” added Carson.

News item from Valley Clean Energy

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/10/valley-clean-energy-powered-by-250-mw-desert-solar-project/