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Press release from RCEA:

Arcata, CA – Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 7 to celebrate the launch of Foster Clean Power, a new local solar and battery storage project located just outside Arcata. This marks an exciting milestone for Humboldt County’s local electricity provider.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting event included RCEA Executive Director Beth Burks, Ardi Arian, Renewable America President and CEO, and Jocelyn Gwynn, RCEA Senior Power Resources Manager. Attendees included community members, local leaders, project partners, and representatives from the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, who assisted with the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Foster Clean Power is the first new-build, utility-scale solar and storage project under a power purchase agreement with RCEA to be completed in RCEA’s Humboldt County service area. Combining 7 megawatts of solar generation with a 2.5 megawatt/10 megawatt-hour battery system, the facility will provide enough renewable power for approximately 3,000 homes. 

“Foster Clean Power represents a milestone for our community,” Beth Burks, RCEA Executive Director, said. “By combining solar and battery storage, we’re not only producing more clean energy locally but also ensuring that power is available when our community needs it most. This project is proof that renewable energy, environmental stewardship, and community benefit can go hand in hand.”

The project was developed and built by Renewable America. The long-term owner of the facility is Radial Power, an American distributed energy investment company. 

“Renewable America is proud to partner with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority on the Foster Clean Power project,” said Ardi Arian, Renewable America President & CEO. “The project integrates solar photovoltaics with one of the safest battery technologies available—lithium iron phosphate—providing a successful clean energy project for the community.”

In addition to its clean energy benefits, Foster Clean Power features pollinator habitat to maintain agricultural value and enhance biodiversity on land formerly owned by Sun Valley Floral Farms. The project was constructed with minimal land disturbance and contributes directly to Humboldt County’s transition to clean, locally sourced power.

The project strengthens RCEA’s Community Choice Energy program portfolio, advancing long-term goals to maximize local renewable energy resources, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and increase grid reliability.

“RCEA is really excited to have this project come online and add to our local clean power portfolio,” Richard Engel, RCEA’s Director of Power Resources, said. “People I talk to in the community are happy to know more of their power is being generated here in Humboldt County in such a low-impact way.” 

For more information about RCEA’s clean energy projects, visit www.redwoodenergy.org.

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About Redwood Coast Energy Authority:

Established in 2003, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority is a local government joint powers agency whose members include the Blue Lake Rancheria, Yurok Tribe, the County of Humboldt, the seven cities within the county, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region. For more info, visit redwoodenergy.org.