December 12, 2024

Phillips 66, NextEra to Power Rodeo Energy Complex

In a strategic move to blend traditional energy infrastructure with renewable power, Phillips 66 has announced a collaboration with NextEra Energy Resources to develop a major solar facility for its Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex in California. This partnership represents a significant step in decarbonizing industrial operations, positioning the facility as a model for integrating clean energy into biofuel production.

A Groundbreaking On-Site Solar Installation

The project involves the construction of a 30.2-megawatt (MW) solar farm on an 88-acre site owned by Phillips 66. NextEra Energy Resources will build, own, and operate the facility, which will feature an array of more than 70,000 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules. Once operational in the first quarter of 2025, the installation is projected to generate approximately 60,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 23,000 electric vehicles for a year.

This development is set to become not only the largest on-site dedicated solar project in California but also one of the largest in the United States. Its primary purpose is to directly supply power to the adjacent Rodeo complex, a leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel derived from feedstocks like used cooking oil, fats, and greases.

Slashing Emissions and Grid Dependency

The solar facility is designed to meet a substantial portion of the energy complex’s needs, cutting its reliance on the conventional power grid by 50%. This direct integration is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 33,000 metric tons each year.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Phillips 66 on the Rodeo solar facility, which exemplifies our commitment to developing custom solutions to meet our customers’ growing energy needs at the speed they require,” said Rebecca Kujawa, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources. She added that the project shows “how renewable energy can integrate seamlessly into industrial operations.”

The Rodeo Renewed project, which saw the complex transition to processing 100% renewable feedstocks in March and reach its full capacity of 50,000 barrels per day by June, is now further enhanced by this commitment to renewable electricity.

A Shared Vision for a Lower-Carbon Future

This collaboration aligns with the strategic goals of both companies. For Phillips 66, it reinforces a commitment to sustainable operations and innovation within its diverse energy portfolio.

“We are excited to collaborate with NextEra Energy Resources on a project that aligns with our mission of providing energy and improving lives,” stated Zhanna Golodryga, executive vice president of Emerging Energy and Sustainability for Phillips 66. “This solar facility not only underscores our commitment to advancing a lower-carbon future but also enhances our energy infrastructure.”

NextEra Energy Resources, a global leader in renewable energy generation, brings its extensive expertise to the project, helping to create a powerful synergy between biofuel production and solar power.