Avantus' Aratina 1 Solar‑Storage Project Begins Commercial Operations in California

Avantus' Aratina 1 solar‑plus‑storage facility in Kern County, California, entered commercial operation, delivering 200 MW of solar power and 500 MWh of battery storage. The plant supplies enough clean energy to power more than 105,000 homes and operates under long‑term power purchase agreements with community‑choice aggregators Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE).

The project was financed by a consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., Truist Securities, ING Capital and Mizuho, providing over US$500 million, plus a US$300 million tax‑equity commitment from Truist Bank. Approximately 500 jobs were created at peak construction, with ongoing operational roles. Avantus also secured $525 million in financing for Phase 2 (Aratina 2), adding 150 MW of solar and 452 MWh of storage, and a 15‑year PPA with Southern California Edison. The expansion is expected to generate around 300 union construction jobs and further bolster California’s clean‑energy capacity.