Avangrid, Inc., an energy company under the Iberdrola Group, has begun exporting power from its Camino solar project in Kern County, California. This achievement comes ahead of the planned commercial operation of the 44 MWac plant, which is set to begin later this spring. The Camino project will deliver clean energy to California while stimulating the regional economy and benefiting households, businesses, and industries.

Milestone Achievement for Avangrid’s Camino Solar Project

Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said, “First energy is always cause for celebration, and is a direct result of years of hard work developing and building a new project.”

He added, “Camino will help meet a growing demand for power and support the region’s energy independence, while creating jobs and delivering key economic benefits.”

The Camino project includes the installation of around 105,000 solar panels, which went online late last year. The plant will produce as much electricity to supply about 14,000 homes a year. The Kern County $100 million Camino project employed 100 workers, who were predominantly local union construction workers.

Aside from creating local jobs, the project will contribute approximately $15 million in state and local taxes over its lifespan, otherwise benefiting public goods in the area.

Collaboration with Labor Unions

The project also involved significant contributions from Local 220 of LiUNA!, whose members worked alongside Avangrid’s contractors to complete the project on time and within budget. Hertz Ramirez, Business Manager for Local 220, highlighted that the construction work provided local apprentices and journeymen with valuable experience while earning competitive wages and benefits.

Also read: Avangrid Expands Fleet with 130 Hybrid Trucks to Boost Sustainability

Camino Solar Project to Join Avangrid’s Expanding Portfolio

Once operational, Camino will expand Avangrid’s California portfolio, adding to the nearby 189 MW Manzana project completed in 2012. Camino will be Avangrid’s tenth solar project, joining six other California facilities with a combined capacity of over 500 MW.

Avangrid’s solar projects in California have generated $95 million in property taxes, benefiting vital public services in local communities.

The Camino project is part of Avangrid’s broader effort to expand its solar footprint across the United States. The company currently operates nearly 10.5 GW of installed capacity, with projects spanning multiple states.

Skytree, Return Carbon, and Verified Carbon have partnered with EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) to develop large-scale Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities in Texas. The collaboration between Skytree, Return Carbon, Verified Carbon and EDF Renewables will produce cost-competitive carbon removal credits and support the world’s efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategic Partnership for Carbon Removal

EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) and Return Carbon have entered into a Term Sheet to supply renewable energy to large-scale DAC plants in Texas, which is expected to reach a goal of 500,000 tons annually in negative emissions. This partnership represents a historic milestone in bringing together DAC technology, renewable energy, and geological sequestration capabilities.

Return Carbon will leverage its project development skills, while Skytree will provide scalable DAC technology using its Stratus units. Verified Carbon will add to its sequestration capabilities in the geology space, offering the infrastructure needed for long-term carbon storage. Together, these entities are building the foundation for a solution that can transform the carbon removal sector.

Also read: EDF Renewables’ Huck Finn Solar Project Reaches Commercial Operation

Innovative Energy Optimization with Flexible Power Purchase Agreements

Gabe Messercola, Associate Director of Capital Improvements at EDF Renewables, stated that co-locating DAC development Behind-The-Meter would optimize renewable energy production, reduce exposure to power market fluctuations, and support the growth of both industries. He also mentioned that Return Carbon’s commitment to operational flexibility, along with Skytree’s equipment, shows that DAC can effectively complement intermittent renewable sources, helping to create a stronger and more resilient energy grid.

One of the major components of the arrangement is the application of a flexible model of power with Behind-The-Meter Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). This setup guarantees price stability for EDFR’s renewable energy parks while offering financial benefits during peak electricity pricing. The co-location of DAC plants with EDFR’s renewable energy facility will allow the fullest utilization of on-site wind energy generated, minimizing exposure to power market volatility and leveraging both the renewable energy and DAC businesses.