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Leeward Renewable Energy Completes Construction, Commences Commercial Operations at Rabbitbrush Solar + Storage Project

November 30, 2022

100-megawatt solar facility and 20 MW/50MWh storage facility to provide renewable energy to CCCE and SVCE

Rabbitbrush Solar brings significant economic and environmental benefits to Kern County through community donations and local partnerships

DALLAS, TX – November 30, 2022 – Leeward Renewable Energy (“LRE” or “Company”) today announced that it has completed construction and commenced operations of its 100-megawatt (MW) Rabbitbrush Solar Facility located in Kern County, California, which also includes a 20 MW, 50 MWh battery energy storage system. As previously announced, the energy generated by the project will serve two not-for-profit, community-owned electricity providers, Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), through two 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).

LRE, CCCE and SVCE hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Rabbitbrush Solar Facility earlier today to celebrate the start of operations at the facility. The event featured comments from Chief Executive Officer of LRE, Jason Allen; Chief Operating Officer of CCCE, Rob Shaw; Chief Operating Officer & Director of Power Supply at SVCE, Monica Padilla; Director of Kern County Planning and Natural Resources, Lorelei Oviatt; Executive Director of CalCCA, Beth Vaughn; and Kern County Supervisor, Zack Scrivner.

“LRE is proud to partner with CCCE and SVCE on a monumental project that will provide significant economic and environmental benefits,” said Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bringing this project online is another example of how we manage our projects in alignment with our core values of protecting and respecting the environment in the communities where we operate. Our focus is on providing continuous value to local communities, while building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.”

Rabbitbrush Solar will serve the needs of nearly 40,000 homes per year and displace approximately 48,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Additionally, as part of LRE’s continued commitment to preserving and protecting the environment, the Company has signed an agreement with the National Audubon Society and Kern Audubon Society to contribute $150,000 to a fund for the study and conservation of the Swainson’s Hawk in the Antelope Valley.

“Responsible renewable energy development and wildlife conservation go hand in hand, and LRE’s contribution to the very important Swainson’s Hawk Conservation Fund will help hawks in the Antelope Valley of California survive and thrive,” said Garry George, director of the National Audubon Society’s Clean Energy Initiative. “We are pleased to collaborate with LRE as we advance habitat conservation and clean energy in Kern and Los Angeles Counties, and we look forward to partnering with other companies in the region to ensure renewable energy facilities avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts on birds and other wildlife.”

LRE also contributed significant economic and job benefits to Kern County including hundreds of thousands of dollars through community donations and project fees that fund critical public services. Additionally, the project generated significant sales and property tax benefits, and created 380 union jobs during peak construction.

The Rabbitbrush Solar Facility features ultra-low carbon, thin-film photovoltaic solar modules that use less energy, water, and semiconductor material. Additionally, the project’s 20 MW, 50MWh battery energy storage system is designed to support the resiliency and reliability of the California electrical grid.

“The Rabbitbrush project is Central Coast Community Energy’s second solar-plus-storage power purchase agreement to come online this year,” said Rob Shaw, Chief Operating Officer of Central Coast Community Energy. “Coupling solar generation with battery storage allows us to move closer to a decarbonized energy grid and statewide emission-reduction goals. CCCE is committed to investing in innovation while delivering reliable energy to our customers.”

“Rabbitbrush helps Silicon Valley Clean Energy deliver on its commitment to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity,” said Monica Padilla, SVCE Chief Operating Officer and Director of Power Resources. “As SVCE communities shift away from fossil fuels to electrify homes and buildings, new projects like Rabbitbrush that add carbon-free capacity and reliability to the grid are key.”

LRE closed construction financing and secured tax equity commitment for the Rabbitbrush Solar Facility in June 2022, and closed on the tax equity funding in October 2022.

About Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a leading renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 25 renewable energy facilities across nine states totaling more than 2,500 megawatts of generating capacity. LRE is actively developing and contracting new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with 1.9 gigawatts contracted and 20 gigawatts under development and construction spanning over 100 projects.  LRE is committed to providing long-term, sustainable energy solutions across all its projects that benefit its community partners while protecting and enhancing the environment.  LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with C$121 billion in net assets (as of December 31, 2021). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.  

For more information:

Kelly Kimberly

713.822.7538

Liz James

281.881.5170

FGS Global

LRE@FGSGlobal.com

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I like being on a team that is developing ideas and technology to diversify the way we use our planet’s energy and resources.

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Coming from the military, camaraderie was important and there is plenty of that here.

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LRE strives to meet the goals of renewable needs throughout the US and is continuously seeking opportunities to expand its portfolio.

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LRE has a great group of people focused on getting the job done.

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I want my work to have a positive impact on the world.

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I love working at LRE because everyday is a new opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.

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I enjoy working in Human Resources for a renewable energy company that is helping to sustain a better future for the next generation.

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To do my part in providing the next generation with environmentally friendly sustainable energy.

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I have the support from managers and leaders to develop and implement new ideas.

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It is exciting to be a part of an emerging industry that we have already seen changing the world.

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An environment that creates the perfect work/life balance while maintaining excellent business ethics and professional growth for employees.

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I joined LRE because it was committed to growing and the opportunity set for my career was large and well defined.

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An opportunity to learn and grow professionally across legal, financial, engineering, construction, O&M, and other areas of expertise.

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LRE has a tight knit strong team culture, allowing for access to everything needed for personal and professional growth.

Kyle R

I wanted to be in a growing industry where the future holds a wide variety of opportunities and helps the environment.

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I chose the renewable energy field because I’ve always wanted to be part of a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Jonathan S

I decided the best way for me to make an impact on reducing the effects of climate change was for me to work in renewable energy.

Candace W

I chose the field of renewable energy 36 years ago due to my interest in cleaning up the environment, particularly the air quality.

Duane Y

I am passionate about the outdoors and the environment. And I love that I can tell my kids that LRE is part of the solution.

Tedd M

I am proud to work at LRE because I truly believe we make a positive impact on the climate and communities we live in.

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I’ve always been passionate about protecting the planet and everyone in it which is what makes working for LRE so rewarding.

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Knowing that I am helping build projects that will contribute to the world’s need for renewable energy motivates me every day.

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What motivates me are the great people LRE has across all disciplines and aspects of projects leading growth in the renewable energy industry.

Kelly I

I am proud to work at LRE and be part of an established team with a proven track record of operational excellence.

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I’m a believer in renewable energy and am proud to work for a company that strives to make a positive impact in our communities and world.

Mark H

The work I do directly impacts the company and its ability to provide renewable clean energy to the country.

Olay M

I am motivated by working with a great team and delivering renewable energy while reducing environmental and community impacts.

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