US developer sPower has started commercial operations at the 130MW Antelope Expansion 2 solar farm in California.
The project, located in Lancaster, will sell electricity generated to community choice aggregator MCE under a long-term power purchase agreement.
MCE chief executive Dawn Weisz said: “MCE is proud to partner with sPower and unions to continue supporting the green jobs and renewable energy projects that will both bolster local communities and evolve into the cornerstone of the state’s new economy.
“Projects like this demonstrate MCE’s mission to offer the 60-100% renewable energy options that helped MCE customers meet California’s SB 100 renewable energy targets 11 years ahead of schedule.”
sPower senior vice president of origination Hans Isern said: “The project is indicative of the trend of CCAs taking a leadership position in renewable procurement within California.
“CCAs are giving electric customers in California the ability to select a cleaner source of power from in-state projects, which also helps provide more opportunities for local businesses, labour unions, and communities within the state.”
The project provided over 261,000 union labour hours worked during construction from the Southern California Trade Unions, including Laborers Local 300, Operators Local 12, Ironworkers Local 433 & 416 and IBEW Local 11.