Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy Announce Commissioning of New Large-Scale Solar and Energy Storage Project

Clark County, Nev. – Executives from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) announce the commissioning for Yellow Pine Solar I, a large-scale solar and battery energy storage project on July 27, 2023.

Yellow Pine Solar I, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, located in Clark County, will generate up to 125 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable electricity and has a four-hour, 65 MW capacity of battery energy storage. This is enough energy to power more than 37,500 homes annually.

The energy storage component of this project uses batteries to store renewable energy and make it available even when the sun isn’t shining, improving the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid, and making renewable energy more accessible.

Community Choice Aggregator agencies (CCAs) SVCE and 3CE will provide this clean to their service area of over 722,000 customers.

3CE has made a commitment to its customers to achieve 100% clean and renewable energy by 2030 – 15 years ahead of California’s mandate for zero emissions.

“3CE celebrates our collaboration with SVCE and the exemplary achievements alongside NextEra Energy Resources in launching the Yellow Pine project,” said Robert Shaw, Central Coast Community Energy Chief Executive Officer. “Despite unforeseen market hurdles, NextEra Energy Resources’ efficient and transparent execution underscores the significance of these partnerships, aligning with our Board’s commitment to deliver 100% clean and renewable energy to our customers.”

SVCE is fighting climate change locally, accelerating renewable energy statewide, and reinvesting in its community through innovative customer offers and services, grants, scholarships, and sponsorships.

“As a community-owned agency, we strive to not only meet the state-mandated emissions reductions goals, but also the more aggressive carbon reduction goals set by our communities,” said Girish Balachandran, Silicon Valley Clean Energy Chief Executive Officer. “This collaboration with NextEra Energy Resources on the brand new solar and battery storage project demonstrates our commitment to lead the fight against climate change by reducing harmful pollution from our buildings, homes, and transportation.”

Including the recently commissioned Yellow Pine project, the CCAs have signed 11 joint power purchase agreements, totaling 1,313 MW of clean energy and 316 MW of storage to date.

“We are pleased to work with SVCE and 3CE to bring a new solar and battery storage energy center online,” said Anthony Pedroni, vice president of renewables and storage development at NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy, and a world leader in battery storage. “This solar and battery storage energy project will generate low-cost energy and provide essential reliability when it is needed most, while providing millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Clark County over the life of the project.”

Construction created approximately 192 jobs and stimulated the purchase of regional goods and services from local vendors. Over the next 35 years, Yellow Pine Solar Energy Center is expected to generate millions in additional revenue for Clark County.

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Central Coast Community Energy
Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is a public agency that sources competitively priced electricity from clean and renewable energy resources. 3CE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency. Revenue generated by 3CE stays local and helps keep electricity rates affordable for customers, while also funding innovative energy programs designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. 3CE provides service to approximately 450,000 customer meters, or more than 1 million people throughout the Central Coast, including residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in communities located within Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more at 3CEnergy.org and on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Silicon Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing clean electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources to more than 272,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.

Media Contact
Michaela Pippin | Principal Communications Specialist
Michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org
(408) 549-2690