Independent global private asset management firm Capital Dynamics and US-based independent solar and storage developer 8minute Solar Energy have completed the 121MW Springbok 3 Solar Farm.
Springbok 3, now operational, is the third and final phase in the Springbok cluster, which is a 448MW installation located in Kern County, California.
This phase includes a 1.5 MWh LiIon system battery, the first battery system used at a Capital Dynamics solar site. Capital Dynamics acquired a majority interest in the project from 8minute back in September 2018.
Springbok 3 has already signed off on a long term PPA with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) on behalf of its participating member, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).
During the construction phase of Springbok 3, an estimated 850 direct and 1,100 indirect jobs were created for workers from the surrounding local communities. The 121MW site will generate enough clean solar energy to power over 150,000 Los Angeles households annually.
Benoit Allehaut, managing director on Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure team, said: “We are extremely proud to have reached commercial operation of the Springbok 3 solar project and are grateful for the hard work and efficiency of 8minute for their help in reaching this successful completion. This project continues our mission to develop state-of-the-art solar projects that provide clean and reliable energy to residents while assisting states to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and meet their energy independence goals.”
Tom Buttgenbach, CEO & president of 8minute Solar Energy, added: “Los Angeles and LADWP are leading the world in showing that growing cities and growing economies can be powered by clean and reliable power from solar power plants. On a typical day, the Springbok solar cluster is delivering about 10% of the power needed to power the City of Los Angeles.”
