PV energy asset owner-operator Lightsource BP has signed 20-year power purchase agreements with California's Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Continental Divide Electric Cooperative (CDEC) for a PV pipeline of 25MW in the Western US.
The 16MW Wildflower Solar I project will be developed in SMUD’s territory and will support the district’s popular community solar program, SolarShares. Both SMUD and Lightsource BP are also exploring options regarding the addition of an energy storage system.
In New Mexico, Lightsource will develop and construct a 9MW PV project within CDEC's territory. Through this partnership, energy generated at the site will be issued to its members through its own distribution system.
Katherine Ryzhaya, Lightsource BP's U.S. chief commercial officer, said: “We're excited to deliver affordable local solar to our utility partners and their customers. Our solar solutions will drive local economic development and job growth, increase utility customer satisfaction, and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for their communities.”
David Windle, BP head of solar energy, added: “The United States is an important market for renewables and for Lightsource BP, and this announcement demonstrates the real momentum we are building across the country. These new collaborations build upon BP's track record in operating wind farms across the US and is another example of how we are advancing the global energy transition.”
