8minutenergy Renewables has formally signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) to develop the 191MWdc (150MWac) Springbok 2 Solar Farm. The project will supply renewable energy to more than 110,000 homes in southern California. 8minutenergy announced earlier in July that it had started construction of the 137MWdc (105 MWac) Springbok 1 Solar Farm.
The PPA was singed with SCPPA on behalf of its participating member, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Springbok 2 Solar Farm is a utility-scale solar generation facility sited on up to about 700 acres of abandoned farmland taken out of production more than 20 years ago. 8minutenergy began developing the project in 2011.
“8minutenergy is enjoying tremendous momentum and has established itself as the leading independent solar provider in the U.S. with 1,400 MW of contracted projects,” said 8minutenergy Chief Executive Officer Martin Hermann. “We broke ground on the Springbok 1 project as scheduled, and we’re pleased the Springbok 2 project is following close behind right on schedule.”
Los Angeles targets on increasing renewable energy supply from 25% in 2016 (expected) to 33% in 2020. The development of the Springbok1, 2 solar projects will accelerate the steps toward the goal.
The Springbok 2 project is expected to reach its commercial operations date in the fourth quarter of 2016. Along with Springbok 1, the two new solar facilities will generate enough clean, renewable energy to serve over 110,300 Los Angeles households. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided is comparable to removing 71,400 cars from the road.
“The process to develop Springbok 2 has been a smooth one with the help of many local and regional agencies, including the SCPPA and LADWP,” said Tom Buttgenbach, President of 8minutenergy. “With this PPA milestone, we’re one step closer to delivering additional clean energy to the people of Los Angeles.”
The solar power system for Springbok 2 Solar Farm will be comprised of state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic modules, related power electronics, and other components including an advanced tracking system that follows the sun to maximize energy production.