EDF Power Solutions North America has executed a 30‑year power purchase agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for the Utah Solar 1 Energy project. The agreement covers the output of a 400 MWdc/300 MWac solar facility located on state‑owned land in Millard County, Utah, and will supply electricity to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The deal adds a long‑term renewable source to Southern California’s portfolio and highlights EDF’s continued presence in utility‑scale solar development.
EDF Power Solutions North America PPA with SCPPA
The 30‑year PPA, announced today, obligates EDF Power Solutions to deliver the full output of Utah Solar 1 to SCPPA’s participating member, LADWP. The project is expected to begin delivering electricity in mid‑2027. EDF estimates the facility will generate roughly 766,000 MWh of clean energy each year—enough to power 126,800 average California homes, according to EPA greenhouse‑gas equivalency calculations.
Matthew Beltz, Senior Director Origination & Power Marketing at EDF Power Solutions North America, said the agreement “extends our successful partnership with SCPPA… to expand the availability of renewable energy and support their decarbonization commitment for member communities.” Dave Hanson, Interim General Manager of LADWP, added that Utah Solar 1 “strengthens power reliability and affordability for our customers while unlocking our ability to bring more clean energy like green hydrogen from the Intermountain Power Project in Utah, to L.A.”
Utah Solar 1 Project Infrastructure
Utah Solar 1 will be built on land managed by the Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA) in Millard County. The construction phase is slated to employ about 400 workers. Over the life of the PPA, the project is projected to generate more than $40 million in local tax revenue and $27 million in lease revenue for TLA.
The facility’s capacity is described as 400 MWdc (direct current) and 300 MWac (alternating current), reflecting the typical derating from DC to AC output in utility‑scale solar. EDF Power Solutions, which reports a portfolio of 26 GW of developed projects and 17 GW under service contracts, will handle development, construction, and long‑term operations. The company’s North American footprint spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with experience across wind, solar, storage, EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission.
Implications for Southern California Power Supply
The addition of Utah Solar 1’s 300 MWac of renewable generation aligns with SCPPA’s broader goal of achieving carbon‑free energy for its member utilities. By securing a long‑term supply contract, LADWP gains a predictable source of low‑carbon electricity that can support its decarbonization targets. The project’s annual generation of 766,000 MWh is expected to contribute to regional reliability, particularly as California continues to integrate higher shares of intermittent resources.
While EDF highlights the economic benefits for local Utah communities, the agreement also illustrates a cross‑regional approach to meeting Southern California’s clean‑energy mandates, leveraging abundant solar resources in the Intermountain West.
Key Takeaways
- EDF Power Solutions North America signed a 30‑year PPA with SCPPA to deliver the output of the 400 MWdc/300 MWac Utah Solar 1 project to LADWP.
- Utah Solar 1 is slated to begin commercial operation in mid‑2027, generate about 766,000 MWh annually, and create roughly $40 million in tax revenue plus $27 million in lease revenue for the Utah Trust Lands Administration.
- The agreement adds a long‑term, utility‑scale solar supply to Southern California’s grid, supporting LADWP’s reliability and decarbonization objectives.
EnergyInsyte's Take
The EDF‑SCPPA PPA secures a sizable, predictable renewable supply for a major municipal utility, reinforcing Southern California’s carbon‑free roadmap. Executives should monitor the project’s construction timeline and any permitting milestones that could affect the mid‑2027 delivery target, as well as the financial performance of the lease and tax revenue streams for the Utah host community.
Source: Businesswire
