Southern Company Subsidiary and Turner Renewable Energy Acquire Calipatria Solar Facility in California
Southern Company adds to renewable energy portfolio with subsidiary's acquisition in California
ATLANTA - Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy today announced the joint acquisition of the 20-megawatt (MW) Calipatria Solar Facility from Solar Frontier Americas. The project represents Southern Power's 10(th) solar facility in California and its 25(th) renewable energy facility overall.
"The acquisition of the Calipatria Solar Facility underscores Southern Power's leadership in helping create America's energy future," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "Through strategic partnerships, including with Turner Renewable Energy, we are continuing our tremendous growth as a national renewable energy leader."
With more than 1,800 MW of generating capacity ownership, Southern Power assembled its nationally recognized renewable portfolio through the strategic development of 25 solar, wind and biomass projects either in operation or under development across the United States. In all, the Southern Company system has added or announced more than 3,800 MW of renewable energy projects since 2012.
Ted Turner, owner of Turner Renewable Energy, teamed with Southern Company through a subsidiary in January 2010 to form a strategic alliance to pursue the development of renewable energy projects in the United States. The partnership has primarily focused on developing and investing in large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Southwest. The company's ninth solar acquisition with Turner Renewable Energy, the Calipatria project brings the partnership's overall solar capacity to more than 340 MW operating or under development.
"The acquisition of the Calipatria Solar Facility is an important effort to further develop clean, renewable energy through this outstanding partnership," said Turner. "We are pleased to continue growing the solar portfolio in collaboration with Southern Company."
The Calipatria Solar Facility fits Southern Power's business strategy of growing its wholesale business through the acquisition and construction of generating assets substantially covered by long-term contracts.
The project is expected to be located on approximately 160 acres in Imperial County and is expected to consist of approximately 130,000 CIS thin-film solar modules.
DEPCOM Power is providing engineering, procurement and construction services. Construction of the plant began in August 2015, and commercial operation is expected in the first quarter of 2016.
The facility has a 20-year power purchase agreement with San Diego Gas Electric Company.
About Southern Power
Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider, meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own or have rights to 34 facilities in nine states, with more than 10,400 MW of generating capacity operating or under development in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas.
About Turner Renewable Energy
Turner Renewable Energy is wholly owned by Ted Turner. Turner Enterprises Inc., a private company, manages the business interests, land holdings and investments of Ted Turner, including the oversight of 2 million acres in 12 states and in Argentina, and more than 51,000 bison.
About Southern Company
With more than 4.5 million customers and approximately 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. A leading U.S. producer of clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including nuclear, 21(st) century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a 2014 Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company earned the 2014 National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development, and is continually ranked among the top utilities in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.
SOURCE Southern Company
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