LA Officially Approves US Largest Solar+Storage Project

• Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles has announced unanimous approval of the City Council for solar PPAs of LADWP with 8minute Solar Energy
• The approval clears the way for 8minute to start work on Eland Solar & Storage Center
• It will be developed in phases as two projects of 400 MW cumulative capacity supported by 1200 MWh of storage capacity
• On assuming complete commercial operations in 2023, the project will supply more than 1.7 billion kWh of clean power annually to the city of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley at a cost of less than $0.02 per kWh, which was previously specified as $0.01997 per kWh

US based solar power developer 8minute Solar Energy, LLC will officially build a new state-of-the-art solar and storage facility to provide clean power for the 'lowest combined solar and storage prices on record' in the US for less than $0.02 per kWh, which previously was stated to be $0.01997 per kWh. The contract will cost less than $5.00 annually for each customer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) which will supply this electricity to the city of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley.

Apart from the 'lowest' price tag, the project has some 'largest' tags to it as the company management states it will be the 'largest municipal photovoltaic operation' in the world and on completion will make 8minute the 'largest provider of clean energy to Los Angeles' supplying the expected generation exceeding 1.7 billion kWh to more than a million people across the LA county. It will also be the 'largest solar and battery energy storage system in the United States' according to Mayor Eric Garcetti who declared unanimous City Council approval for its power purchase agreements (PPA).

LADWP had previously unanimously approved the project in September 2019 which will help Los Angeles in its proposed 100% renewable energy goal by 2045 under Green New Deal of City Mayor Eric Garcetti (see LADWP Approves 8minute's Eland PV+Storage Project). The Mayor said Eland Solar and Storage Center will help the city of Los Angeles achieve 55% renewable energy by 2025, 80% by 2036 and 100% by 2045.

Sharing details about the project, 8minute says Eland project will supply up to 400 MW of clean energy to the grid in the form of two large-scale solar facilities, and store up to 300 MW/1200 MWh of dispatchable electricity for evening and night hours. The entire project will be built in two phases that will start operations in 2022 with complete commercial operations to commence in 2023.

To be located on 2,650-acre of barren desert land 70 miles north of Los Angeles, the project is expected to create over 700 jobs during the construction period.

"Together, thanks to Eland's advanced storage and dispatch capabilities, we're working to dispel misconceptions about the availability, reliability, and long-term viability of clean solar power," said 8minute President and CEO Dr. Tom Buttgenbach. "Utilizing existing transmission infrastructure to an extent never before seen for solar power plants, allows for the rapid expansion of clean energy projects while saving the ratepayer money. It's a huge win—for the city of Los Angeles, the people of California, and workers as well as a game-changer for the renewable energy industry."

8minute will cover all costs associated with the development, maintenance and operation of the facility.