What's Happening?
The Eland solar-plus-storage electricity project in Kern County has gone fully online, marking a significant milestone in Los Angeles' clean energy transition. The project, consisting of 1.36 million solar panels and 172 lithium iron phosphate batteries, will generate 7% of the electricity for Los Angeles at a record-low price. Developed by Arevon Energy, the $2-billion project is the largest solar and battery storage plant for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The project pushes the city's clean energy supply to 64%, contributing to its goal of 100% clean energy by 2035.
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Why It's Important?
The Eland project represents a major step forward in Los Angeles' efforts to achieve its clean energy goals. By integrating solar power with battery storage, the project provides a reliable and cost-effective energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The transition to clean energy is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project's success demonstrates the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to meet urban energy demands, setting a precedent for other cities and states aiming to increase their clean energy supply.
What's Next?
With the Eland project now fully operational, Los Angeles is well on track to meet its 100% clean energy goal by 2035. The city plans to decommission coal power by the end of the year and continue expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The success of the Eland project may encourage further investment in similar solar-plus-storage initiatives, both locally and nationally. As federal tax credits for wind and solar are set to end within the next two years, states like California will need to continue supporting clean energy projects to maintain progress toward climate goals.
Beyond the Headlines
The Eland project's completion highlights the growing importance of battery storage in renewable energy systems. By enabling solar power to be stored and used during peak demand periods, battery technology addresses one of the key challenges in transitioning to clean energy. The project's success also underscores the role of state and local policies in driving renewable energy adoption, particularly as federal support wanes. As climate change remains a pressing issue, projects like Eland demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of large-scale clean energy solutions.
