In a move towards environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant is joining the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA), a provider of renewable energy sources. The plant, which has a daily capacity of 50 million gallons, is the largest desalination facility in the United States, making this a significant partnership for both parties according to the Del Mar Times.
Currently managed by Channelside, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant is located along the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, one of San Diego County's most valuable natural resources. While previously it was considered risky for CEA to serve the plant due to its disproportionately high energy usage, the recent expansion of the Clean Energy Alliance to seven member cities allows for more manageable distribution of energy consumption as reported by Energy Portal.
The Clean Energy Alliance and the San Diego County Water Authority recently approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would make the CEA the electricity provider for the Carlsbad Desalination Plant per the Del Mar Times. This partnership is expected to increase renewable energy procurement, reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the plant’s large energy usage, and also provide a predictable revenue stream to the CEA.
While the enrollment date for Channelside to join the Clean Energy Alliance is anticipated to be no earlier than January 2025, the potential cost savings and environmental benefits of such collaboration are already raising expectations. Barbara Boswell, CEO of the Clean Energy Alliance, mentioned that if Channelside had enrolled in 2021, they would have seen cost savings as a result of being with the CEA according to the Del Mar Times.
As part of the MOU, the Clean Energy Alliance assumes responsibility for managing an energy portfolio specifically for Channelside's load, as well as developing a strategy to mitigate financial risks associated with the partnership as Energy Portal stated. This careful management of resources is expected to ensure that the collaboration provides a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties, driving towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Beyond the direct benefits to the plant itself, this environmentally conscious partnership will also contribute to the broader community's welfare. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is home to an array of recreational and educational activities, such as the Hubbs-SeaWorld fish hatchery, Carlsbad Aquafarm, YMCA Camp, and the Lagoon Foundation's Discovery Center. By reducing the ecological impact of the desalination plant, the Clean Energy Alliance is not only enhancing the sustainability and environmental stewardship of Channelside but also helping to preserve a region thriving with marine life and ecological diversity for future generations.
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant's partnership with the Clean Energy Alliance represents a significant step for the local community in embracing environmental stewardship and sustainability. This aligned effort to prioritize renewable energy in an area of high energy consumption showcases the potential for collaborative action to positively impact the environment and future generations.
