Key Takeaways
- Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) and RIC Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop on-site solar facilities powering Cadiz's agricultural operations while continuing to advance green hydrogen development at Cadiz Ranch.
- The MOU expands a partnership the two companies launched in October 2024 and adds solar generation as the first phase of an integrated renewable energy platform.
- The companies will evaluate siting, permitting and constructing hydrogen transportation infrastructure within Cadiz's existing 220-mile Northern Pipeline corridor.
- The solar and hydrogen projects are intended to power the Mojave Groundwater Bank and other regional water infrastructure in San Bernardino County.
- The announcement follows the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's approval of a new right-of-way grant allowing Cadiz to convert its Northern Pipeline from natural gas service to water conveyance.
Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) and RIC Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop on-site solar facilities at Cadiz Ranch, expanding a collaboration that already covers green hydrogen production at the site in California's Mojave Desert.
Cadiz's Expanded Renewable Energy Plans
Under the MOU, RIC Energy will develop solar facilities to power Cadiz's agricultural operations while the companies continue advancing hydrogen production facilities and related infrastructure at Cadiz Ranch. The companies will negotiate a definitive power purchase agreement for electricity from the new on-site solar facilities while jointly planning infrastructure to support future hydrogen production, storage and delivery.
As part of the effort, Cadiz and RIC Energy will evaluate the feasibility of siting, permitting and constructing dedicated hydrogen transportation infrastructure, including pipelines, within Cadiz's existing 220-mile Northern Pipeline corridor and other rights-of-way. The goal is to support delivery of hydrogen to regional markets and off-site customers while advancing water and energy infrastructure across San Bernardino County. The MOU follows the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's recent approval of a new right-of-way grant allowing Cadiz to convert the Northern Pipeline from natural gas service to water conveyance.
Cadiz, Inc. Leadership Comments on the Partnership
Susan Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadiz, said the agreement builds on the company's move away from diesel power.
“Our partnership with RIC demonstrates how renewable energy and low-carbon fuels can power the next generation of water infrastructure. Last year we transitioned away from diesel and are advancing clean energy solutions for future operations. This MOU enables the next step—powering those operations with on-site solar generation while advancing green hydrogen as a future fuel source for the Mojave Groundwater Bank and other regional water infrastructure,” said Susan Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadiz.
Jonathan Rappe, Chief Executive Officer of RIC Energy North America, said the plan goes beyond a typical solar project.
“The opportunity extends well beyond a traditional solar and battery energy storage project. Together we are designing an integrated renewable energy platform that can evolve alongside the hydrogen economy and support one of California's most important water infrastructure developments,” said Jonathan Rappe, CEO of RIC Energy North America.
Cadiz owns roughly 45,000 acres of land and 220 miles of pipeline assets in the Mojave Desert, including Cadiz Ranch, the largest agricultural operation in San Bernardino County.
