The Baldy Mesa solar and storage project in Southern California is now operational, with a capacity of 150 MW and 75 MW for solar and storage respectively. Amazon and AES collaborated on developing and owning the project, with Amazon’s machine learning models powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) helping to optimize the battery unit’s charging and discharging activities.
Amazon’s Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability, Kara Hurst, highlighted the importance of AI in transitioning to carbon-free energy and combating climate change on a large scale. The integration of Amazon-enabled solar projects with AI technologies aims to provide a consistent supply of carbon-free energy to the grid and customers, aligning with Amazon’s sustainability goals.
Amazon has facilitated the development of 10 solar energy projects with battery storage, totaling 1.5 GW of storage capacity in the southwestern US. These projects support Amazon’s operations, including fulfillment centers, office buildings, and data centers, by leveraging renewable energy sources.
At Baldy Mesa, software utilizing machine learning and Amazon SageMaker is expected to analyze millions of data points annually to enhance the performance of the battery unit. This software, developed by Fluence, optimizes energy trading based on grid conditions to maximize the value of stored power. Similar machine learning solutions deployed in California have successfully anticipated and mitigated grid instability during extreme weather events.
Overall, the collaboration between Amazon, AES, and Fluence at the Baldy Mesa project showcases the potential of AI-enabled energy systems to enhance grid efficiency, support renewable energy integration, and reduce carbon emissions. This project represents a step forward in Amazon’s commitment to sustainable practices and the broader transition to clean energy sources.
In conclusion, the Baldy Mesa solar and storage project, supported by Amazon and powered by AI technologies, marks a significant advancement in sustainable energy infrastructure in Southern California. By leveraging machine learning and AWS services, this project demonstrates the potential for intelligent energy solutions to drive the transition towards a greener and more efficient energy system.
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https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2024/05/baldy-mesa-solar-storage-project-now-online-and-supporting-amazon-operations/