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Electrify America has confirmed the commencement of commercial activities at the 75-MW Electrify America Solar Glow 1 solar project in California. Under a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with the project developer Terra-Gen, Electrify America will procure the clean energy produced by the project to bolster its EV charging network.

Being the most extensive open DC fast charging network in the United States, Electrify America is dedicating over $2 billion to enhance California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure and accessibility. By utilizing adaptable VPPAs such as this one, the company can effectively reduce its carbon footprint associated with the energy supplied across its charging network. This initiative encourages authentic adoption of zero-emission vehicles, addressing the fact that current EV charging may not always rely on clean energy sources.

Robert Barrosa, the President and CEO of Electrify America, emphasized that the company had pledged last year to energize its DC charging network entirely with renewable sources. This endeavor marks a significant achievement in the company’s efforts to diminish its carbon emissions. Barrosa further stated, “Electrify America is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the comprehensive charging infrastructure for both current and future EV drivers.”

The 75 MW peak solar capacity is equivalent to the energy consumed by 500 EVs charging simultaneously at an average rate of 150 kilowatts. Projections indicate that the project’s yearly output is expected to reach 225 GWh, surpassing the company’s network utilization in 2022.

Jigar Shah, the Director of Energy Services at Electrify America, expressed, “Given the growing number of EV owners, we anticipate a continuous surge in demand for our charging network.”

In the present day, electric vehicles, along with their charging infrastructure, serve as a platform for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector, historically a significant contributor to urban carbon emissions.

The integration of “solar plus EV charging” establishes an efficient decarbonization model for the industry, underscoring the significance of innovative commercial solutions to accelerate solar adoption.