en.Wedoany.com Reported - Avantus has achieved commercial operation for the Aratina 1 project in Kern County, California, delivering 200 megawatts of solar power and 500 megawatt-hours of energy storage to the grid.

The project has signed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with two community choice aggregators (CCAs)—Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy—covering its entire electricity output. The clean electricity generated by the facility annually can meet the power needs of over 105,000 California households.

Robert Shaw, CEO of Central Coast Community Energy, stated that the Aratina project is a concrete embodiment of the community choice energy model. The agency has secured 120 megawatts of power through long-term PPAs, which will provide customers with clean and affordable electricity while helping California move away from fossil fuels. He also emphasized that the partnership with Avantus helps strengthen grid reliability and invest in the clean energy future of the Central Coast.

At its peak construction phase, the project created approximately 500 jobs and will provide local operational positions throughout its lifecycle. Earlier this year, Avantus launched the Boron Community Partnership Panel, a group led by local organizations and residents, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue and helping guide the project's local investments, with a focus on community-building opportunities that support youth, education, civic, and cultural initiatives.

Monica Padilla, CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy, noted that the clean electricity generated by the Aratina project helps California advance its climate goals. In the process of reducing fossil fuel dependence and moving toward an all-electric future, similar new projects are crucial for increasing clean power and supply reliability across the state.

Construction is underway on Aratina 2, the second phase of the Aratina Solar Center adjacent to Aratina 1. The project recently secured over $525 million in financing and is scheduled to begin commercial operation by the end of the year. Upon full completion, the Aratina Solar Center will have a combined capacity of 350 megawatts of solar power and 952 megawatt-hours of energy storage.