Austria (Ostea) Solar near final commissioning; BPA review and a 6 MW trial curtailment remain

John Volts, representing Ostea Solar and Cypress Creek Renewables, told the council that major construction at the Austria (Ostea) Solar facility is complete and that the project has entered trial operations. He said staff have begun utility testing with the Bonneville Power Administration and "submitted the initial results for their review." Volts added that, pending BPA approval, the project "would be granted the ability to remove the curtailment limit of, I think, we're at 6 megawatt generation during the trial operations."

Volts said the facility is at a hold point while BPA reviews those test results, with final commissioning expected after the curtailment is lifted. When asked about timing, Volts estimated full generation could begin in late March or early April, while the administrative transition from construction to operational status (final testing and vegetation restoration) might extend into May or June.

Council members did not take any final action on the project during the meeting; staff noted operational compliance plans for spill control, vegetation management and emergency response have been submitted to FSEC for review and approval before the facility becomes operational.