Focus
Solano County Board of Supervisors updates BESS regulations
The Vacaville Reporter – November 4
The Solano County Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to update regulations on battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, the California Energy Commission’s Opt-In Certification Program (originally authorized under 2022’s AB 205) may ultimately supersede the County’s local authority on the issue for BESS projects submitted through that program.
News
Federal administration can reconsider permit for offshore wind farm, judge rules
The New York Times – November 4
A federal judge in Washington ruled on Tuesday that the federal government may reconsider the approval of SouthCoast Wind, a wind farm planned off the coast of Nantucket, Mass. The decision dealt a setback to the developers of the project, a joint venture between the energy companies EDP Renewables and ENGIE. And it handed a victory to the White House, which has ordered a half-dozen federal agencies to draft plans to thwart offshore wind power. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia wrote that the project developers would not “suffer immediate and significant hardship” if the administration were allowed to reconsider the permit.
Projects
Wholesale food giant completes largest rooftop solar project to date
Utility Dive – October 29
United Natural Foods, Inc., one of the largest publicly-traded wholesale food distributors in North America and a major supplier for Whole Foods, has completed its largest rooftop solar array installation to date. Spanning nearly 1,000 yards, the 6.7 MW installation sits atop the company’s distribution center in Riverside, California, and is expected to generate approximately 80% of the facility’s electricity. The project is part of UNFI’s efforts to reduce its emissions footprint through energy efficiency, fleet electrification, and renewable energy.
Clearway Energy signs PPA, storage deal with Washington utility
Power Magazine – November 4
Clearway Energy Group has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), along with a 20-year deal for energy storage output, with a utility organization in Washington state. The deal announced November 4 between Clearway and Public Utility District No. 2 (Grant PUD) of Grant County, Washington, covers power from the Royal Slope Energy Center, a 260 MW solar and 260 MW energy storage facility. Royal Slope is expected to reach commercial operation by the end of 2027.
ContourGlobal scores financing for 324 MW solar project in Colorado
Renewables Now – October 30
ContourGlobal has closed a $350 million financing package to support its 324 MW Black Hollow Sun solar farm project in Colorado. The transaction combines tax equity financing, provided by Tyr Energy, with a debt package arranged by a syndicate including Credit Agricole CIB, ING Capital, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mizuho, and MUFG.
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