Rocklin, CA – Origis Energy, a leading utility-scale clean energy developer, and Pioneer Community Energy, a California-based Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), have announced a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Sky River Solar + Battery Storage project. This significant agreement underscores the growing imperative for integrated renewable energy solutions to stabilize grid operations and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in California.
The Sky River project, situated in Stanislaus County, California, is engineered to deliver 200 MWac of solar photovoltaic generation capacity coupled with 400 MWh of battery energy storage. This configuration, featuring a 2-hour battery duration, is crucial for addressing California's peak demand periods and mitigating the intermittency inherent in solar generation, particularly during evening ramp-down. The project represents a substantial investment in the state's energy infrastructure, designed to provide reliable, dispatchable clean power.
"This PPA with Pioneer Community Energy is a testament to the critical role that integrated solar and storage solutions play in building a resilient and sustainable energy future for California," stated Johan Vanhee, Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Procurement Officer at Origis Energy. "The Sky River project will not only contribute significant renewable energy to the grid but also provide essential reliability services, ensuring power availability when it's needed most."
California's energy landscape is characterized by ambitious decarbonization goals, including a mandate for 100% clean electricity by 2045. Achieving these targets necessitates a rapid deployment of utility-scale solar and wind, complemented by robust energy storage capabilities. The Sky River project directly addresses this need by offering a firm, renewable resource that can be dispatched to support grid operations, reduce reliance on natural gas peaker plants, and enhance overall grid stability.
"Pioneer Community Energy is committed to delivering cost-effective, clean energy to our customers, and the Sky River project is a cornerstone of that commitment," said Alice Kang, CEO of Pioneer Community Energy. "This long-term agreement secures a substantial amount of renewable energy and storage, aligning perfectly with our strategic objectives to diversify our energy portfolio and ensure reliable service for our communities."
The development of projects like Sky River is vital as California continues to grapple with increasing electricity demand and the challenges posed by climate change, including extreme weather events. The integration of large-scale battery storage with solar generation provides a flexible asset that can absorb excess solar production during the day and discharge power during evening peaks, thereby optimizing grid efficiency and reducing curtailment. Commercial operation for the Sky River project is targeted for the end of 2025, positioning it to contribute significantly to California's clean energy supply within the next two years. This project exemplifies the trend towards hybrid renewable energy facilities, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in markets with high renewable penetration and stringent reliability requirements.