New renewable energy projects approved in San Diego enhance sustainability.
San Diego Community Power has approved two significant solar and battery storage projects, Pelican’s Jaw Solar and Purple Sage Energy Center, aimed at meeting its renewable energy goals. Together, these projects will contribute approximately 20% toward the organization’s targets by 2035, creating jobs and promoting sustainable energy solutions in the region.
San Diego has made a significant advancement in its renewable energy efforts with the recent approval of two major solar and battery storage projects by San Diego Community Power. These projects are expected to contribute approximately 20% toward the organization’s renewable energy goals by the year 2035.
The San Diego Community Power Board unanimously approved contract amendments for Pelican’s Jaw Solar and a revised agreement for Noble Solar’s Purple Sage Energy Center during a meeting held last week. These projects are crucial components of the community choice aggregator’s strategy to provide sustainable energy and enhance environmental responsibility in the region.
The Pelican’s Jaw Solar project, operated by SB Energy, will be located in the San Joaquin Valley. It is projected to generate 440 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity and will include a lithium-ion battery storage component that can provide 238.5 megawatts/954 megawatt-hours of electricity. Annually, Pelican’s Jaw is expected to deliver around 1.2 million megawatt-hours of energy, which constitutes 8% to 10% of Community Power’s 2035 renewable energy target. This facility is currently under construction and aims to start commercial operations by September 2026.
The construction of Pelican’s Jaw is anticipated to create approximately 800 temporary jobs during its development and 6 to 8 permanent jobs once completed. Furthermore, developers have pledged $500,000 to Community Power’s community benefit fund to support local initiatives.
In addition to Pelican’s Jaw, the revised agreement for the Purple Sage Energy Center includes a 400-megawatt solar farm accompanied by a 400-megawatt/1,600 megawatt-hour battery storage facility. This project will also contribute significantly to the 20% renewable energy target alongside Pelican’s Jaw. The Purple Sage project is expected to generate around 520 temporary construction jobs and 6 permanent positions upon completion, enhancing job opportunities in the area.
The Purple Sage Energy Center, based in Clark County, Nevada, will be interconnected with California’s electric grid but requires permits from the Bureau of Land Management. Due to complications arising from the Trump administration’s pause on new renewable project approvals, the project is projected to begin operations in June 2028. Financial protections have been integrated into the agreement to address liability concerns, assuring compensation if project milestones are not achieved.
Developers of Purple Sage have also committed to contributing $2 million to Community Power’s benefit fund for ratepayers, further incentivizing local engagement and support for sustainable energy initiatives.
San Diego Community Power was established in 2020 with the objective of providing competitive energy solutions as an alternative to traditional utilities like SDG&E. Currently, the organization serves approximately 957,000 customer accounts, making it the second-largest Community Choice Aggregator in California. The expansion of its renewable energy portfolio through these projects aligns with the state’s broader goals to transition toward cleaner energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By advancing these two significant projects, San Diego Community Power is taking crucial steps to enhance its renewable energy offerings and meet regulatory requirements established by the California Public Utilities Commission. These initiatives not only aim to prevent energy shortages, price spikes, and blackouts but also underscore the increasing commitment to sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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