California Set To Add 465 MW More Solar Projects to Its Energy Portfolio In 2022

California is going to add two new big solar projects (Arica solar project & Victory Pass solar project) to its energy portfolio for the year 2022. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management has approved the development of both solar projects.

Solar developer of both projects, Clearway Energy is ready to install both projects near Desert Center in eastern Riverside County, California. Construction might start as early as June 13, according to the BLM.

These projects have a total capacity of 465 MW, with the Arica solar project accounting for 265 MW and the Victory Pass solar project accounting for 200 MW. Aside from that, these 465 MW of solar projects will have 400MW storage capacity.

The Biden administration’s attempts to update the West’s electricity infrastructure are aided by California’s shift toward renewable energy. US market for renewable energy is predicted to grow strongly over the next three years. In the coming 3 years, at least 25 GW of solar, wind, and geothermal energy will be produced here on public land.

According to BLM sources, a total of $689 million will be invested in both 465 MW of renewable energy projects’ startups. Both projects will also provide $5.9 million in yearly operating economic benefits. During peak activity, the projects will additionally sustain 1,000 construction workers.

BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning stated, “The Bureau of Property Management is dedicated to contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio, having approved more than 120 renewable energy projects on public land totaling more than 12,000 megawatts.”

The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan simplifies renewable energy development while preserving 10.8 million acres of desert ecosystems, and these are the first projects in regions designated as appropriate for renewable energy development.

The Bureau of Land Management is currently considering 67 utility-scale onshore renewable energy projects on public lands in western America. Renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as connecting gen-tie lines, have all been proposed on non-federal land.

The aggregate capacity of these projects could add about 41,733 MW of renewable energy to the western power grid. The BLM is also conducting a preliminary examination of 90 solar and wind development applications, as well as 51 wind and solar energy testing applications.