Avangrid’s Camino Solar Project Begins Commercial Operations in California, Boosting Local Economy and Clean Energy Capacity
Avangrid, Inc., a prominent player in the American clean energy sector and a member of the global Iberdrola Group, has officially commenced commercial operations at its Camino Solar project in Kern County, California. The milestone marks a significant achievement in Avangrid’s mission to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy while contributing to economic development at the local and state levels. The Camino Solar facility, with a capacity of 57 megawatts direct current (MWdc) or 44 megawatts alternating current (MWac), represents Avangrid’s seventh renewable energy project in California.
The facility is currently generating enough electricity to power approximately 14,000 U.S. homes. Beyond contributing to the grid, the project underscores Avangrid’s commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to support the growing demands of the 21st-century economy. According to a recent national power demand study by S&P Global, electricity consumption in the United States may increase by as much as 50% by 2040. A major driver of this anticipated surge is the rise of new data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and electrification across various sectors. Projects like Camino Solar are being deployed in direct response to these growing power needs.
Pedro Azagra, Chief Executive Officer of Avangrid, celebrated the project’s successful launch as a pivotal development for both the company and the broader energy landscape in the U.S. “The successful completion of Camino Solar marks another important milestone in Avangrid’s commitment to creating long-term value for communities,” Azagra said. “We are generating not just clean electricity, but also good jobs, economic growth, and stronger grid reliability for California. Renewable projects like Camino are essential to meeting the energy challenges of tomorrow.”
Union Jobs and Local Workforce Investment
A distinctive aspect of the Camino Solar project is its deep investment in the local workforce. The construction of the facility required the installation of approximately 105,000 high-efficiency solar panels, a task that provided employment to around 100 construction workers. Notably, nearly all of those workers were local union members, highlighting the project’s alignment with labor-friendly development practices.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Local 220 played a central role in staffing and supporting the project during construction. “LiUNA! Local 220 worked closely with Avangrid and its contractors on this project, and we are proud to see it through to completion,” said Hertz Ramirez, Business Manager for Local 220. “This development brought high-quality, union jobs to our region, providing not just strong wages, but also comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, vacation pay, pension plans, and annuity options.”
Similarly, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 428 expressed pride in the union craftsmanship that went into building the facility. Brian Holt, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 428, praised the contributions of local union electricians. “Our members brought skill, commitment, and craftsmanship to every stage of the project. This facility isn’t just producing clean energy—it’s producing meaningful, stable careers for our community members,” Holt said. “Projects like Camino are investments in a future that’s both sustainable and equitable.”
Economic Contributions and Long-Term Community Benefits
The Camino Solar project is not only contributing renewable energy to California’s power grid but is also providing substantial long-term economic benefits to the surrounding region. Over its operational life, the facility is expected to generate approximately $15 million in tax revenues for state and local governments. These funds will support essential public services, with a notable emphasis on education, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services.
In addition to tax revenues, Camino Solar is projected to make annual lease payments totaling around $150,000 to landowners whose property hosts the facility. This income provides a valuable and steady revenue stream for local families and businesses, creating a model for mutually beneficial energy development in rural and semi-rural communities.
The project’s location on a combination of private and public lands—including territory managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management—demonstrates how collaborative land use policies can effectively support clean energy infrastructure while balancing environmental stewardship and public benefit.
Growing Renewable Footprint in California
Camino is the latest addition to Avangrid’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects in California. The company now operates seven facilities across the state, from San Diego County in the south to the Bay Area in the north. Combined, these projects contribute approximately 600 megawatts of clean energy capacity—enough to power roughly 150,000 U.S. homes annually.
In California alone, Avangrid employs 44 people and works closely with contractors, landowners, and local authorities to ensure that projects are built responsibly and deliver lasting benefits. In 2024, Avangrid’s operations contributed over $7.5 million in state and local taxes, supporting a wide array of public services that directly benefit California residents. That same year, the company distributed nearly $6 million in lease payments to local landowners who host Avangrid’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Beyond financial contributions, Avangrid emphasizes environmental integrity and transparency in its operations. The company adheres to rigorous permitting and impact assessment processes, working with stakeholders to mitigate potential environmental concerns and promote biodiversity wherever possible.
Meeting America’s Energy Future with Innovation and Sustainability
The commissioning of Camino Solar is particularly timely as the United States—and California in particular—grapples with the dual challenges of increasing energy demand and the urgent need to decarbonize power generation. As one of the most energy-hungry states in the nation, California has committed to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045. The role of projects like Camino Solar is thus essential, not just for meeting targets, but for ensuring a reliable and resilient energy supply in the face of climate-related stressors and demand volatility.
Pedro Azagra reiterated Avangrid’s broader strategic commitment to supporting the clean energy transition. “From large-scale solar projects to onshore wind and green hydrogen initiatives, Avangrid is helping to lead the way toward a low-carbon future,” Azagra said. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know the work is far from over. Camino Solar is a strong step forward—and just one of many to come.”
As the renewable energy sector continues to expand and evolve, Avangrid’s development strategy places a strong emphasis on community engagement, union labor partnerships, and technological innovation. The Camino Solar project embodies all three pillars, offering a blueprint for what future energy developments can and should look like.
