#United States #solar energy #Bakersfield #EDP Renewables #California Water

EDP Renewables Enters Groundbreaking Agreement with California Water Service

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has announced a significant milestone in renewable energy collaboration with California Water Service (Cal Water). A recent agreement signed between EDPR NA Distributed Generation LLC (EDPR NA DG) and Cal Water marks a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the installation of a 1.75 MWac / 2.35 MWdc solar photovoltaic (PV) array at the Northeast Bakersfield Treatment Plant. This initiative is expected to not only bolster Cal Water's sustainability objectives but also provide substantial savings on energy costs over the duration of the contract.

Partnership Goals

This promising partnership aims to deliver approximately 3,800 megawatt-hours of renewable energy each year. It is projected that the energy produced by the new solar array will help Cal Water save about $1.7 million in energy costs throughout the agreement's lifespan—an impactful financial relief for one of the state's most essential utility providers.

Marty Kropelnicki, the CEO of Cal Water, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, noting that this collaboration is a vital step forward in its quest to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring safe and reliable water services. Kropelnicki stated, "At Cal Water, we are dedicated to being a responsible environmental steward, and partnering with EDPR NA DG will help us reduce traditional power costs, reach our science-aligned greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, and increase sustainability."

Sustainability and Future Impact

João Barreto, CEO of EDPR NA DG, underscored California's leadership role in the national clean energy sector. He asserted that partnerships like this reflect increasingly intertwined challenges of water and energy management and spotlight the need for infrastructure investment in the state.

EDPR NA has cultivated a strong presence in California for over two decades, having developed both utility-scale and distributed solar projects. Their active assets throughout California generate power for approximately 451,000 homes and support over 180 projects in the distributed generation portfolio alone. This includes their recent completion of the 200 MW Scarlet II Solar Energy Park in Fresno County, which is poised to become a vital component of California's energy landscape.

About California Water Service

Serving over 2.1 million residents, California Water Service not only focuses on high-quality, reliable water utility services but also champions sustainability initiatives across its operations. By prioritizing responsible investments, the company aims to enhance community well-being while effectively addressing critical water and wastewater infrastructure needs. Acknowledged as one of "America’s Most Responsible Companies" and listed as a top workplace, Cal Water exemplifies commitment to integrity and environmental care.

About EDPR NA Distributed Generation

EDPR NA DG is at the forefront of advancing distributed renewable energy solutions across North America. The company maintains a robust operational capacity of 345 MW across 546 active sites, helping to revolutionize the renewable energy sector through innovative practices and collaborations with various stakeholders.

Focused on sustainable growth and adhering to stringent environmental standards, EDPR NA DG is committed to equipping municipalities and local communities with essential energy services that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

For further information on EDP Renewables, visit their official website and follow their updates on LinkedIn.