The California State Compensation Insurance Fund has announced that construction has begun on a new solar energy program that involves solar, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy storage at seven locations throughout the state. ENGIE North America has designed and will install 9.8 MW of solar, 150 Level II and DC charging stations, and 2 MW/4.3 MWh of energy storage through its affiliate ENGIE Services US Inc. Once completed, the projects will offset early 230,000 metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions over a 20-year period while saving nearly US$65,000,000 in energy costs over the life of the project.
Also Read: US$1Bn offered by California state for transit projects for 2028 Olympics
The State Fund construction sites are located in Pleasanton, Fresno, Vacaville, Sacramento, Riverside, and Bakersfield. They are projected to produce 311 GWh over the course of 20 years. This will be enough energy generated to power over 26,500 homes. It will also provide a reduction in CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 47,000 gas vehicles off the road. The California State Compensation Insurance Fund Electric Vehicle charging stations will be available to its employees and used by the company’s fleet vehicles which currently includes eight battery electric vehicles, three of which are new long-range BEVs that allow employees to travel between State Fund locations while lowering their reliance on fossil fuels.
“While supporting State Fund’s greater environmental strategy, the construction helps the California economy during this critical time for recovery after the pandemic. They are truly a partner that aligns with ENGIE’s mission to help our customers decarbonize and optimize energy use.” said the General Manager and Vice President for Cities & Communities at ENGIE North America, Courtney Jenkins. “Breaking ground on this project is a huge step forward in our drive to reduce our use of fossil fuels, limit the load we place on statewide and local electrical grids. They will also improve air quality throughout California. Increasing our efforts and investments around sustainability initiatives will bring a number of benefits to our customers, employees, and California as a whole.” said the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at State Fund, Andreas Acker.
