Kern County's Major Solar Power Plant Fully Operational

One of America’s major solar plus battery power facilities has started supplying Los Angeles and Glendale with clean energy from Kern County.

Local dignitaries and renewable energy analysts convened under the intense desert sun to celebrate the full-scale operation of 1.36 million solar panels alongside 172 lithium iron phosphate batteries at the Eland solar-plus-storage electrical project. The endeavor, occupying a space comparable to 13 Dodger stadiums including their parking areas, now fulfills 7% of Los Angeles’ power needs.

Janisse Quiñones, executive chief of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, expressed, “This monumental project marks a milestone in our solar and battery initiatives. It's a crucial step toward our ambitious goals, and it removes the apprehension of replicating such developments—we need multiple projects like this to meet our long-term aims.”

With the Eland facility contributing to the city’s energy framework, Los Angeles now sources nearly 64% of its power from renewable energies. Additional energy inputs include hydrogen, natural gas, and geothermal, as well as plans to phase out nuclear and coal by year’s end.

Eland, a $2 billion initiative by Arizona’s Arevon Energy, also distributes power to Glendale Water and Power.

Benefits of Solar and Battery Integration

The project spans an area similar to East Los Angeles and contributes 7% of the city's energy needs, with batteries playing a pivotal role. These battery units look like oversized white containers yet are vital to storing solar energy which can be distributed during the night or non-sunny periods.

By integrating solar and battery resources, these systems charge from solar or wind energy and discharge when needed most. In this hybrid approach, over 469 facilities were ready or in development nationwide by late 2023, according to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Evolving Renewable Policies

Despite federal policy setbacks under the previous administration, which curtailed tax incentives for renewable sources like wind and solar, California remains steadfast in its clean energy transition. This perseverance is echoed by Mayor Karen Bass, who notes the state's environment-focused commitment.

The Eland project underscores significant advancements toward environmental targets, reinforcing Los Angeles’ leadership in renewable energy adoption and climate initiatives.

According to Arevon’s CEO, Kevin Smith, solar along with battery storage represents the most affordable energy solution currently, whether tax credits are applied or not. The swift completion of the Eland project contrasts with the lengthy development cycles of nuclear or natural gas infrastructure.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Goals

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is backed by a long-term commitment involving a 25-year, $1.5 billion agreement. This ensures continued access to the plant’s energy with plans to acquire ownership in just a decade, as outlined by consulting officials.

The dual-phase facility, which first began operations last year, generates 758 megawatts of solar energy, while its batteries have a storage capacity of up to 1,200 megawatt-hours, handling peak demand efficiently.

Economic and Environmental Gain

As the lowest-cost project in the DWP portfolio, Eland’s generation and storage metod clocks in at an average of 4 cents per kilowatt hour. This energy solution not only promises economic stability but is also expected to yield savings for consumers.

Environmental advocates emphasize the broader ecological impacts, with Eland expected to reduce emissions comparable to that of 120,000 cars annually, supporting the long-term vision set by Los Angeles over two decades ago to reduce greenhouse gases through renewable sources.

The city is progressing well towards its 2035 goal for 100% clean energy, though completing the final few percentages of this target presents notable challenges.

As one of LADWP’s most significant ventures yet, Eland exemplifies a firm commitment to renewable energy initiatives, manifesting the determination to achieve and maintain a sustainable energy transition.