Project Focus: CPUC approves Solar Millennium power purchase agreement

July 16, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a power purchase agreement between Solar Millennium, Berkeley and Southern California Edison (SCE) for two 242MW solar power plants planned in California. The agreement regulates SCE’s purchase of electricity produced by the facilities for 20 years from the start of operations. Construction is expected to conclude, for one power plant, at the end of this year with initial operation starting for the plants in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Josef Eichhammer, president of Solar Trust of America and CEO of Solar Millennium: “We have reached another important milestone on the path towards realizing our first US power plant with the approval of the power purchase agreement by the CPUC. We also believe we will obtain the permit for construction of at least one power plant in Blythe in autumn and finalize the financing. The site is located near to Los Angeles. This area receives more than 2,700 kilowatt hours per square meter of direct normal irradiation every year, a figure more than 30 percent higher than in southern Spain.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Both power plants will be built at the Blythe project location, where a total of up to four 242MW power plants can be installed. The four plants would supply California with 2,200GW hours annually.

Read Next

March 30, 2026
Indian renewable energy major Adani Green Energy has operationalised 951MW of renewable energy capacity across projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
March 30, 2026
The German Federal Network Agency has launched an innovation tender, and aims to award 475MW of new solar PV capacity by May.
March 30, 2026
Italian renewables platform Whysol Renewables has secured financing towards four agrivoltaics plants and two battery energy storage systems (BESS) in southern Italy.
March 30, 2026
Indian solar manufacturer Premier Energies has commissioned a 5.6GW solar module manufacturing facility in Seetharampur, Telangana.
March 30, 2026
India has installed 9.56GW of rooftop solar capacity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), according to government data presented in Parliament. 
March 30, 2026
The scope of supply chain diligence for PV projects in the US seeking tax credits has expanded, requiring greater vigilance in procurement, writes Intertek CEA's Paul Wormser.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland