Avangrid’s Camino Solar Project in California Officially Begins Commercial Operation, Marking a Key Milestone in the State’s Renewable Energy Expansion
By S.S. Dev – 12th June 2025
Avangrid, Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group and a significant player in the U.S. renewable energy sector, has announced the official commencement of commercial operations at its Camino Solar project located in Kern County, California. This facility contributes 57 megawatts direct current (MWdc), or 44 megawatts alternating current (MWac), to the grid, marking Avangrid’s seventh energy project in California. The Camino Solar project is now providing clean electricity to approximately 14,000 homes.
The Camino Solar project aligns with Avangrid’s larger strategy to address the increasing national energy demand, which is anticipated to grow substantially over the next two decades. A recent study by S&P Global predicts that power demand in the U.S. could surge by up to 50% by 2040, mainly driven by the expansion of energy-intensive sectors, including data centers. Projects like Camino are designed to fulfill this demand while improving grid reliability and fostering economic growth.
During its construction phase, the Camino Solar project saw the installation of 105,000 solar panels and created around 100 local construction jobs, predominantly filled by union workers. Beyond generating clean energy, the project is projected to yield approximately $15 million in tax revenue throughout its operational lifespan, contributing to vital state and local services, particularly in education. Additionally, it will provide about $150,000 annually in lease payments to participating landowners, creating long-term income opportunities for the local community. Portions of the project were also developed on public lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Hertz Ramirez, Business Manager for Local 220, expressed, “LiUNA! Local 220 worked closely with Avangrid and its contractors on this project, and we are pleased to see its completion. This effort has provided meaningful union careers to local apprentices and journeymen right here in Kern County, offering not only competitive wages but also robust benefits such as healthcare, vacation pay, pension, and an annuity.”
Brian Holt, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 428, stated, “The completion of Avangrid’s Camino Solar project is a proud moment for our union. Our members demonstrated skill, commitment, and craftsmanship at every stage of the project. This facility not only generates reliable energy but also creates good jobs, strong benefits, and meaningful career paths for individuals in our community. Projects like this are essential for powering a more sustainable future, both environmentally and economically.”
With the launch of the Camino project, Avangrid now operates seven renewable energy facilities across California, boasting a combined capacity of approximately 600 megawatts, sufficient to power around 150,000 homes annually. The company employs 44 individuals statewide and remains dedicated to long-term community investment. In just the past year, Avangrid’s operations in California contributed over $7.5 million in state and local taxes and nearly $6 million in lease payments to landowners, further bolstering local economies throughout the state.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/avangrid-launches-camino-solar-project-in-california-boosting-renewable-energy-capacity/
