Ontario-based Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (APUC) says it intends to proceed with a new 10 MW solar facility project adjacent to its 20 MW Bakersfield I Solar project in Kern County, Calif., which is currently under construction.
The Bakersfield II Solar project executed a 20-year power purchase agreement in September with a large California-based electric utility. Construction of the project is anticipated to commence in mid-2015 following receipt of local permits and finalization of necessary construction contracts, subject to approval by the APUC board of directors. Commercial operation is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016.
Construction of Bakersfield I Solar is nearing completion, with commercial operations expected in the first quarter of 2015.
‘We are pleased to announce the continued growth of our solar power generation portfolio through a commitment to the 10 MW Bakersfield II Solar facility,’ says Ian Robertson, CEO of APUC. ‘The low annual production variability associated with solar electrical generation continues to contribute to de-risking and diversifying our portfolio.’
