In the expanse of Kern County, California, a groundbreaking energy project has emerged. Known as Edwards & Sanborn, this expansive facility is a testament to the United States’ commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Edwards & Sanborn: A Renewable Energy Behemoth
Nestled within the vast Mojave desert, the Edwards & Sanborn project spans an impressive 4,660 acres. Brought to life by Terra-Gen, it proudly stands as the nation’s mightiest combination of solar power and energy storage capacities. With a robust 875 megawatts (MW) of solar generation and a staggering 3,320 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capabilities, this plant is a giant among its peers.
What makes this endeavor particularly unique is the collaboration between private interests and the esteemed Edwards Air Force Base. Mortensen, the project’s builder, celebrates this as the most significant public-private partnership in the Air Force’s storied history. Beneath the desert sun, nearly two million advanced First Solar PV panels soak up the sunlight, while a mixed assembly of 120,720 resilient LG Chem, Samsung, and BYD batteries stands ready to store the bounty. This power nexus is intricately woven together with a network of 400 miles of conductive wiring.
An Impressive Feat of Engineering
The sheer scale of the Edwards & Sanborn site is truly breathtaking. It doesn’t just harvest sunlight; it translates it into a direct current (DC) solar power stream that reaches upwards of 875 MW. Additionally, this fortress of renewable energy boasts 3,287 megawatt-hours of storage and the means to feed an extensive 1,300 MW of power into the existing grid infrastructure.
The beneficiaries of this colossal project include not only residential customers but also commercial giants. The City of San Jose, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the Clean Power Alliance, and even global coffee powerhouse Starbucks are among those who have tapped into this green energy source.
For Terra-Gen, the event reflects a pioneering feat in energy leadership. Brian Gorda, their Vice President of Engineering, sees the operational status of Edwards & Sanborn as more than just the culmination of a project; it is the embodiment of industry transformation. It serves a broader purpose of enhancing the grid’s durability and reliability with the promise of clean, sustainable energy.
In a world where the shift towards renewable energy sources is imperative, the launch of the Edwards & Sanborn facility in California symbolizes a critical leap towards the goal of a fully sustainable energy future.
