US renewables developer Intersect Power has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with a Centrica subsidiary for a 250MW photovoltaic project in California.
Under the terms of the agreement Direct Energy Business will be supplied with solar electricity generated by Intersect Power’s Athos Solar 1 facility.
The deal enables Direct Energy to contract with direct access customers and community choice aggregators in the state, to decarbonise their electricity supplies.
Once completed, the combined 450MW Athos Solar 1 and 2 project will be one of the largest solar installations in California, with Athos 1 slated to enter construction in mid-2020 and Athos 2 in October 2020.
Intersect Power chief executive Sheldon Kimber said: “The team at Intersect Power is pleased to work with Direct Energy to deliver new in-state renewable energy generation options for California homes and businesses.
“Together, we are creating a long-term agreement to benefit southern Californian communities and help households reduce their environmental impact.”
Direct Energy Business North America power and gas senior vice president David Brast said: “This transaction demonstrates Direct Energy’s unique ability to create long-term renewable energy solutions that combine the strengths of customers, project developers, and energy service providers alike.
“Athos Solar 1 is an exciting project to be a part of. Intersect has developed several excellent projects and we are proud to collaborate with them. Direct Energy is looking forward to the project helping enable our customers to move to a lower carbon future.”