The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a 1.1-GW solar and 4.6-GWH storage project for Fresno County that is the first project permitted under the State Opt-in certification program.
The Oberon Solar + storage project completed by Intersect Power in 2023.
Authorized under Assembly Bill 205, the opt-in Certification Program offers a consolidated state permit option for eligible clean energy projects, in support of the transition from California to 100% zero-cabbage-cabbage-stooled electric sale by 2045, as required by Senate Bill, the Encourage BILOID must be completed for a StatUten StatUten.
“California is moving faster than ever before to build the clean energy we need – now with the world’s largest solar and battery project,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “With a record amount of clean energy capacity that was added last year, we create jobs and support local communities – all while building a cleaner, more reliable power grid.”
The Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP) will be built on 9,500 hectares of land in western Fresno County, which is no longer able to support agricultural production. The project comprises a solar facility of 1,150 MW with approximately 3.1 million panels and up to 1,150 MW (4,600 MWh) battery storage feet to feed 850,000 houses for four hours. The project owner is IP Darden I LLC, a subsidiary of Cross power.
Projects looking for approval via the Opt-in certification program are required to offer community and economic benefits. The DCEP includes:
- $ 2 million in community investments in the following decade, starting with an obligation of $ 320,000 to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, a non -profit in favor of victims of crimes, family treatment and social involvement in rural communities.
- More than 2,000 applicable jobs in construction to support the local workforce during the construction period, which will last from 18 months to three years.
- An estimated $ 169 million in economic benefits for the local area during the life of the project, estimated at 35 years.
“Today’s clean energy projects have to do more than just deliver Megawatts. They must create value in the communities where they were built,” said CEC commissioner I called Gallardo. “This project is an example of a community -oriented approach that promotes the energy goals of the state and at the same time creates benefits for local employees and residents.”
The Darden project builds on a series of clean energy records that have recently been played in California. On three of the five days last yearThe most important schedule of California became 100% clean energy for part of the day. That momentum will take place in 2025. So far this year, the main roster has reached 100% clean energy at 138 of 151 days, or 91% of the days until May. In 2024, The state added 7 GW of clean energy capacity To the Raster-De Biggest increase of one year in the history of the State and has added 25 GW in capacity over the past five years.
News item from CEC
