On the day a San Benito County court judge ruled against environmental groups’ efforts to delay the planned solar project in southern San Benito County, ConEdison Development, a New York State-based developer and operator of large-scale renewable energy projects, has acquired a 50 percent interest in Panoche Valley Solar Farm from Renewable Energy Trust Capital Inc. (RET Capital).
At a recent court hearing, Judge Harry Tobias considered a joint motion for judgment by the county and PVS seeking to quash the Sierra Club’s and Audubon Society’s efforts to halt the project, which is slated to begin construction as early as Oct. 1. On Thursday, he made his decision public, essentially letting the county approval of the project stand. Supporters asserted that the project had already been approved by the county and that no new evidence against it should be allowed. The environmental groups claim that the county, in approving the latest entitlement amendments, abused its discretion by making a decision that was not based on substantial evidence in the record.
According to a press release, ConEd will provide construction management, operations and maintenance, and asset management for the project. RET Capital, which provides finance and asset management platforms for the renewable energy industry, had been an early investor and sole owner of the project, and the companies now hold equal shares of ownership.
From the press release:
“Working in partnership with RET Capital, ConEdison Development is pleased to expand our renewable portfolio in California,” said Mark Noyes, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ConEdison Development.
“America is steadily increasing its reliance on solar and wind energy, and our company is proud to be playing an increasingly significant role in boosting our country’s clean energy capabilities,” said Mr. Noyes.
“Economic, security, pollution and climate concerns all converge around our use of energy and as a result there is a growing demand for renewable energy across the nation,” said John Bohn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of RET Capital. “RET Capital is committed to accelerating the expansion of this critical sector in order to meet the demand, and we are proud to be working in partnership with ConEdison Development to advance this large-scale solar initiative.”
With approximately 1.1 million panels planned for the Panoche Valley installation, construction is scheduled to commence by the end of the year.
Check back with BenitoLink for updates on the expected court ruling.