Leeward Renewable Energy announced that it has completed construction and commenced operations of its 100-megawatt (MW) Rabbitbrush Solar Facility located in Kern County, California, which also includes a 20 MW, 50 MWh battery energy storage system. As previously announced, the energy generated by the project will serve two not-for-profit, community-owned electricity providers, Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), through two 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
“Responsible renewable energy development and wildlife conservation go hand in hand, and LRE’s contribution to the very important Swainson’s Hawk Conservation Fund will help hawks in the Antelope Valley of California survive and thrive”
LRE, CCCE and SVCE hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Rabbitbrush Solar Facility earlier today to celebrate the start of operations at the facility. The event featured comments from Chief Executive Officer of LRE, Jason Allen; Chief Operating Officer of CCCE, Rob Shaw; Chief Operating Officer & Director of Power Supply at SVCE, Monica Padilla; Director of Kern County Planning and Natural Resources, Lorelei Oviatt; Executive Director of CalCCA, Beth Vaughn; and Kern County Supervisor, Zack Scrivner.
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“LRE is proud to partner with CCCE and SVCE on a monumental project that will provide significant economic and environmental benefits,” said Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bringing this project online is another example of how we manage our projects in alignment with our core values of protecting and respecting the environment in the communities where we operate. Our focus is on providing continuous value to local communities, while building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.”
Rabbitbrush Solar will serve the needs of nearly 40,000 homes per year and displace approximately 48,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Additionally, as part of LRE’s continued commitment to preserving and protecting the environment, the Company has signed an agreement with the National Audubon Society and Kern Audubon Society to contribute $150,000 to a fund for the study and conservation of the Swainson’s Hawk in the Antelope Valley.
SOURCE: Businesswire