Solar

California CCAs procure 15 MW solar + 8 MWh storage for resource adequacy

California CCAs procure 15 MW solar + 8 MWh storage for resource adequacy
(Credit: Renewable America)

Resource adequacy (RA) is a big deal in California. As the state transitions to a renewable energy-powered future that depends on intermittent wind and solar, ensuring there is always enough energy to meet load is key. Indeed, since the 2001 California energy crisis, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has required that every load serving entity, including community choice aggregators (CCAs), are able to allocate enough resource capacity for their load to ensure energy resiliency.

Five new solar and storage projects in California are being constructed to help meet RA for four CCAs. Renewable America said on May 2 that it will provide over 15 MW of solar power coupled with 8 MWh of energy storage to the CCAs. The company said the projects enable the CCAs to progress further and more quickly toward their state-mandated RA program in light of the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) recent marketplace limitations.

Every year, the CAISO opens a new window for applications for cluster studies, which are performed to ensure that system reliability and standards for no adverse impact are met. In March 2021, Cluster Study 14 received an unprecedented three times more applications than in previous years, earning it the nickname “The Super Cluster.” However, as a result of the overwhelming response, the study’s completion has been delayed by over two years, and CAISO is still in the process of finishing it.

Renewable America said it has a unique approach to deliver RA to CCAs, bypassing the traditional cluster study route for new resources connecting to CAISO. By taking on greater development risk, Renewable America provides a solution for the limitation in the Capacity market.

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Renewable America said it is managing everything in-house for all five projects, including scouting new project sites, interconnection, engineering, permitting and PPAs. It added that two of them are located within disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to clean energy. These projects will also benefit surrounding land by creating pollinator-friendly habitats within a 5-mile radius, said the company.

“We are excited to be working with Renewable America to help us meet our RA obligation as a Load Serving Entity. This community-scale project is on track to be completed in under two years, unlike larger utility-scale projects that can take many years to develop,” said Matthew Marshall, Executive Director of Redwood Coast Energy Authority.

All five projects are now fully subscribed and will complete construction by Q3 of 2023 or Q1 of 2024.

“With the increase of power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs in California, distributed generation local solar projects are more essential than ever to ensure energy resiliency while also mitigating climate change,” said Ardi Arian, CEO of Renewable America. “On top of power outage challenges, CCAs are facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to RA. We are pleased to be able to provide high quality, local solutions in less time for CCAs throughout California who are seeking alternative options to meet capacity needs.”

Originally published by Power Grid International