Projects
PG&E proposes 6.4 GWh battery storage plan in response to California's 11.5 GW procurement order
Utility Dive – January 25
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) last Friday proposed nine new battery projects, amounting to 1,600 MW/6,400 MWh, to provide energy and ancillary services in the California Independent System Operator markets and help shore up the state’s electric grid. The projects — which are subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission — would boost the utility’s total battery storage capacity to over 3,330 MW by 2024. PG&E’s plan includes a proposed 15-year resource adequacy agreement with Vistra, which would expand the Moss Landing energy storage facility by 350 MW/1,400 MWh. If approved, the expansion would reportedly make it the largest battery facility of its kind in the world.
Nevada geothermal power lawsuit bound for U.S. Appeals Court
U.S. News & World Report – January 21
A legal dispute over a major geothermal plant in Nevada is heading to federal appellate court. Earlier in January, a Tribe and an environmental group won a court order temporarily halting activity on what they say are sacred ceremonial grounds and home to the Dixie Valley toad being considered for a U.S. endangered species listing. Ormat Technologies says it may abandon the project if a 90-day court order remains in place into March at the high-desert site bordering wetlands fed by hot springs about 100 miles east of Reno. The legal battle is headed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco after a federal judge in Reno denied Ormat's request this week to lift the temporary injunction by February 28.
Arizona utility and Navajo Nation partner on another solar plant
Associated Press – January 20
An Arizona utility has signed an agreement with the Navajo Nation to get solar power from a new facility on the reservation. The Salt River Project and the Navajo Nation already had partnered on two other solar facilities in Kayenta that serve 28,500 homes and businesses on the reservation. Tribal lawmakers approved the lease for the Cameron Solar project last March. The new solar plant is expected to produce 200 MW of energy.
Verizon signs purchase agreements with Leeward for up to 640 MW of renewables
North American Windpower – January 20
Leeward Renewable Energy has entered into 15-year renewable energy purchase agreements with Verizon Communications for the purchase of energy generated from four of Leeward’s wind and solar projects under development. In aggregate, the projects will have the capacity to generate up to 640 MW of energy, which will help Verizon achieve its goal to be net zero in its operational emissions by 2035.
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