May 30, 2024
EBMUD builds its largest solar array, reducing emissions while saving ratepayer dollars
OAKLAND - Climate change affects every aspect of the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s work, from the resilience of our water supply to the health of the watersheds we manage. As EBMUD invests in a sustainable future, we begin our second century of service with the installation of our largest solar array. The Orinda Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project (Orinda PV) will significantly offset greenhouse gas emissions and directly contribute to EBMUD’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
EBMUD is more than tripling its solar energy production capacity with three new photovoltaic (PV) installations. The Orinda PV project, below Briones Reservoir in Orinda, is now complete and will generate approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity a year. This 4.6-megawatt (MW) installation will offset 10 percent of our current energy costs.
EBMUD developed the Orinda PV project with TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company with a U.S. portfolio of 25 GW of solar, wind and battery storage projects, in operations or construction across more than 30 states.
In addition to delivering environmental benefits through zero-emissions electricity production, the Orinda PV project will supply EBMUD with power at a fixed price that will provide $26 million in energy cost savings to EBMUD ratepayers over the 25-year contract term.
“The Orinda PV project represents a leap in EBMUD’s clean energy production and supports our mission to deliver safe and affordable drinking water while protecting the environment,” said EBMUD General Manager Clifford Chan. “We believe investing in a sustainable future is the right thing to do for our customers and our planet, not only for today but for future generations.”
This solar installation adds to EBMUD’s other renewable energy projects, including 40 MW of hydroelectric, 11 MW of biogas, 2 MW of existing PV projects, and 210 kW of additional PV under development.
“We applaud EBMUD for investing in clean energy to pursue impressive carbon neutrality goals,” said Eric Potts, Vice President of TotalEnergies Renewables USA. “As a top solar developer in the U.S. and globally, we help utilities such as EBMUD leverage solar power to achieve their sustainability targets and reduce their long-term energy costs.”
In the fight against climate change, EBMUD is committed to developing sustainable practices, supporting renewable energy projects, and investing in infrastructure that supports the vibrant communities we serve.