The Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project, developed by Arevon Energy, is now fully operational near Mojave, California. As one of the largest solar-storage sites in the US, it will help meet 7% of Los Angeles’ electricity demand.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the project will increase the city’s clean energy share to more than 60%.

Completed in 2 phases, Eland 1 and 2, the project has a total nameplate capacity of 758 MW DC of solar with 300 MW/1,200 MWh of co-located energy storage capacity. Together, the 2 facilities are equipped with 1.36 million solar panels and 172 lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. 

Arevon says the LFP batteries, which are known to have ‘no reported fire incidents’ since their commercial use from 2019, were manufactured locally.

“The batteries, which were manufactured locally in Lathrop, California, efficiently and quickly discharge power during times of peak demand, strengthening California’s energy security, especially in the face of extreme heat, brownouts, and blackouts,” stated Arevon.  

Power generated and stored by the Eland project is contracted under long-term agreements with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) to deliver to its members, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and Glendale Water and Power (GWP).

Arevon added that the project created close to 1,000 jobs to construct the facility. It is expected to pay more than $36 million to the local government throughout its lifetime, which will be used for schools, public services, and other uses.