Hopes to convince SLO County to rejoin public agency
Monterey-based Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) has approved a 25-year contract with Hydrostor for the construction of a compressed-air energy storage facility, that once built, will provide 500 megawatts of energy storage, making it the largest Compressed Air Energy Storage Project in the world.The project is in Kern County.Hydrostor says they should begin delivering green energy to the state’s power grid by 2028.
Hydrostor has a similar compressed air project near Morro Bay that is being studied by the California Energy Commission.The so called Pecho project faces opposition from the California Coastal Commission in a preliminary statement. Hydrostor has developed an advanced compressed air process (A-CAES) that will inject air into underground caverns, using water to maintain constant pressure. When released, the air is used to power turbines that generate electricity.
In an unrelated matter the new liberal majority on the SLO County Board Of Supervisors is expected to discuss joining Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) in March, next month.
Every city in the county has already joined this program, which allows consumers to buy energy from a nonprofit Community Choice Aggregation group rather than from PG&E. The County could join the agency in 2025. That would mean unincorporated jurisdictions like Los Osos would no longer get power restricted to PG&E.
“3CE is aware that County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors is engaging in a conversation about their priorities and how 3CE is growing California’s clean and renewable energy resources, reducing emissions, and directly benefiting communities through innovative electrification programs that support local businesses, schools, affordable housing development, and everyday homeowners.” shared Robert Shaw, 3CE’s Chief Operating Officer.
“3CE is ready to support the Board as well as SLO County residents and businesses as they make this important decision about how to best serve their community.” If enrolled, unincorporated SLO County would make up 13% of 3CE’s total electric load and 13% of 3CE’s customer base.