US renewables developer DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), in California, have signed a 200MW combined solar and energy storage power purchase agreement (PPA).
The 200MW/400 megawatt-hour project is the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system generation facility announced in northern California under PPA contract and will be located on the east side of Sacramento County.
The project is expected to reach commercial operation no later than 2024 and will provide SMUD’s customers with a long-term, reliable supply of local renewable energy.
“Our DESRI team is pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with SMUD on the development of this landmark clean power project, especially considering the ground-breaking size and battery storage integration,” said DESRI chief development officer Hy Martin.
“This first-of-its-kind project took significant effort by all project partners and shows SMUD’s leadership in its drive towards carbon-free electricity generation in coming years.”
The project is expected to deliver significant community benefits including creation of an estimated 400 jobs during construction.
The agricultural ranch that currently operates on the proposed project site will continue to run in parallel to the energy facility, and the project will incorporate key aspects of environmental sustainability into design and ongoing operations.
Affiliates of Bona Terra Energy assisted as co-developers on the project.
As part of the project, the SMUD Clean Energy Community Leaders – Mark Gall Memorial Scholarship will be funded by DESRI.
The scholarship will help cultivate local workforce talent and support students in the greater Sacramento area who demonstrate interest in renewable energy development.
Martin added: “DESRI is thrilled to support emerging young leaders interested in becoming part of the clean energy economy in and around Sacramento as the renewable energy industry grows in the region, and celebrate the public servants at SMUD for their commitment to renewable energy.”