Pasadena adds more solar power to city’s energy portfolio

An additional 105 megawatts of solar energy will be electrifying Pasadena homes, businesses and public places, city officials announced Wednesday.

The City Council approved the additional megawatts plus 55 MW of battery storage from Bonanza Solar, a 300 MW solar photovoltaic generating and battery energy storage system, developed by EDF Renewables based in Clark County, Nevada. 

The 20-year contract calls for energy delivery to start in 2028, officials said. The agreement was negotiated by Pasadena Water and Power and procured through the Southern California Public Power Authority, which is a joint powers authority that aims to help member municipalities such as PWP reduce overall costs.

“This solar agreement is an important step forward in meeting our goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon-free sources by the end of 2030,” Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement. “This contract is especially timely considering Pasadena’s exit from the Intermountain Power Project. The City, Pasadena Water and Power, and the residents of Pasadena are committed to a clean energy future.”

In 2023, PWP expanded its energy portfolio to include 25 MW of geothermal energy and a one-third share of a 117 MW solar energy project. Those deals, which officials said were expected to begin delivering electricity in early 2028, were also negotiated through the SCPPA. 

Officials said these solar power additions “are key to reaching Pasadena’s sustainability goals.”

Pasadena Water and Power provides electricity to more than 65,000 customers within the city, officials said. A community-owned utility, PWP is a nonprofit public agency owned and operated by the city of Pasadena.