California’s largest on-site dedicated solar facility begins operations at Rodeo biofuel complex

Photo: Phillips 66

Phillips 66 announced May 8 that the solar facility at Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex is now commercially operating, marking a pivotal step in the collaboration between Phillips 66 and NextEra Energy Resources to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions at one of the largest on-site solar facilities in the U.S.

The Rodeo complex is scaled to produce 800 million gallons of hydrotreated biofuels per year, including up to 150 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

This 30.2-megawatt facility sets new standards in integrating renewable energy into industrial operations, according to Phillips 66.

It reduces Rodeo’s grid-power demand by 50 percent, avoiding 33,000 metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions annually.

It is designed to generate approximately 60,000 megawatt-hours per year of electricity, enough to power more than 23,000 electric vehicles each year.

The solar facility was unveiled in December at a ribbon cutting with industry leaders and elected officials.

“Our collaboration with NextEra reduces carbon emissions at Rodeo, a facility dedicated to producing renewable fuels and one of the largest of its kind in the world,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66.

Situated on 88 acres of land owned by Phillips 66, this is California’s largest on-site dedicated solar facility.

“Instead of crude oil, we are processing fats, greases and vegetable oils to create renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” Lashier said.

Phillips 66 said this solar facility underscores its commitment to advancing a lower-carbon future through initiatives accretive to shareholder value and enhancing the company’s energy infrastructure.

Highlighting the strategic opportunity, Lashier added, “We saw an opportunity in reducing our carbon footprint, save on utility costs, while at the same time producing reliable, affordable energy.”