The California Energy Commission (CEC) has authorized a 1.1-GW photo voltaic and 4.6-GWh storage venture for Fresno County that’s the first venture to be permitted beneath the state’s Opt-In Certification program.
The Oberon Photo voltaic + Storage venture accomplished by Intersect Energy in 2023.
Approved beneath Meeting Invoice 205, the Choose-In Certification program supplies a consolidated state allowing choice for eligible clear vitality tasks, supporting California’s transition to 100% zero-carbon retail electrical gross sales by 2045, as required by Senate Invoice 100. Underneath statute, the environmental evaluate for a venture have to be accomplished inside 270 days from the purpose the venture utility is deemed full, until important venture adjustments come up that require extra time to evaluate.
“California is transferring quicker than ever earlier than to construct the clear vitality we want – now with the world’s largest photo voltaic and battery venture,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom. “With a document quantity of fresh vitality capability added final yr, we’re creating jobs and supporting native communities – all whereas constructing a cleaner, extra dependable energy grid.”
The Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP) will likely be constructed on 9,500 acres of land in western Fresno County that’s now not in a position to assist agricultural manufacturing. The venture features a 1,150-MW photo voltaic facility with roughly 3.1 million panels and as much as 1,150 MW (4,600 MWh) of battery storage – sufficient to energy 850,000 houses for 4 hours. The venture proprietor is IP Darden I LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power.
Initiatives searching for approval by way of the Choose-In Certification program are required to offer group and financial advantages. The DCEP contains:
- $2 million in group investments over the subsequent decade beginning with a $320,000 dedication to Centro La Familia Advocacy Companies, a nonprofit supporting crime victims, household wellness and civic engagement in rural communities.
- Greater than 2,000 prevailing-wage building jobs to assist the native workforce all through the development interval, which can final from 18 months to 3 years.
- An estimated $169 million in financial advantages to the native space over the venture’s lifetime, estimated at 35 years.
“Immediately’s clear vitality tasks should do extra than simply ship megawatts. They need to create worth within the communities the place they’re constructed,” stated CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo. “This venture exemplifies a community-focused method that advances the state’s vitality targets whereas creating advantages for native staff and residents.”
The Darden venture builds on a collection of fresh vitality data just lately set in California. On three out of every five days last year, California’s major grid hit 100% clear vitality for some portion of the day. That momentum continues in 2025. To this point this yr, the primary grid has reached 100% clear vitality on 138 of 151 days, or 91% of days by way of Could. In 2024, the state added 7 GW of clean energy capacity to the grid – the biggest single-year improve in state historical past – and added 25 GW of capability over the previous 5 years.
Information merchandise from CEC
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