The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted approval for the commencement of construction on the Camino Solar Project in Kern County. The solar photovoltaic facility, which will have a capacity of 44 megawatts, is set to be located on 233 acres of public lands and an additional 150 acres of private land.
According to a news release dated January 26, the construction process will include a 34.5-kV underground electrical collector line that will connect to the Southern California Edison Whirlwind Substation via the Manzana Wind Substation. Additionally, an associated 220 kV generation tie line will be included.
"The Camino Solar Project will expand access to clean energy for Californians and increase reliability for the state’s power grid. Projects like this one support the nation’s transition to a clean energy economy by adding more carbon-free electricity to the grid, creating jobs, and boosting local economies," said Shelly Lynch, BLM California desert district manager in the news release announcing project approval.
The project is not new; it has been in planning stages since February 2020 according to various documents found on BLM's e-planning webpage for the project. The decision record dated May 8, 2020, outlines several alternatives including the proposed project that includes solar photovoltaic generating facilities and solar modules, an energy storage facility, electrical collector systems and inverters, as well as an on-site substation or switchyard. As per this decision record, authorization for the project extends over a period of thirty years. Following this duration, either decommissioning of the facility and restoration of site must occur or renewal of right-of-way for the project must be sought.
On August 23rd, Avangrid announced its intention to build this project marking its first venture in California. Cupertino Electric has been contracted for construction according to Avangrid's news release.
"Cupertino Electric has built more than 40 renewable energy projects in Kern County, California, and we’re honored to be involved with Avangrid’s inaugural project in the area. Bringing clean energy to communities big and small is our specialty and why we’re ranked the largest solar and storage contractor in the U.S," said Chris Martin, vice president of operations for Cupertino Electric.
