Renewable America (RNA) has announced new milestones toward commercial operation dates at two major solar sites in California. The West Tambo Clean Power II site (WEST-II), a 2.93 MWDC development located in Livingston, and the Dos Palos Clean Power site (DOSP), a 4.29 MWDC project in Dos Palos are intended to advance carbon reduction goals in designated low-income and underserved communities.
WEST-II is expected to reach its commercial operation date (COD) in early August 2024. San Jose Clean Energy will purchase the power generated by WEST-II to provide energy to the San Jose community, while Peninsula Clean Energy will purchase the power produced. by DOSP to provide energy to the residents of Los Baños.
“Climate change mitigation and energy resilience in local communities are core components of RNA’s mission,” said Ardeshir Arian, president and CEO of Renewable America. “These developments contribute to California’s renewable energy goals while making a difference in the lives of the residents of San Jose and Los Baños, and we are thrilled to see the projects moving forward.”
The projects were awarded an additional 20% ITC through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, in the Qualified Low-Income Economic Benefit Project category. The locations are officially categorized as Disadvantaged Communities by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). The designation applies to communities within the top 25% of census tracts identified by CalEnviroScreen statewide, as well as to 22 census tracts in the top 5% of CalEnviroScreen’s pollution burden.
Renewable America conducts end-to-end project development with in-house resources including package scouting, lease negotiations, engineering, permitting, design and origination. Subsidiary RNA Services acts as EPC and O&M partner for both WEST-II and DOSP.
“Distributed solar energy generation allows local communities to produce their own energy, avoiding over-reliance on centralized energy sources,” Arian said. “In addition to the benefits of cleaner energy sources, San Jose and Los Banos will have greater energy independence and autonomy.”
News item from Renewable America
