California Greenlights World’s Largest Solar-Plus-Storage Project with Streamlined Permitting Process

Utilizing a new streamlined permitting process, California has approved the world’s largest solar-plus-storage project.

California has been home to many champions, and now it welcomes a new heavyweight contender in clean energy. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has granted approval for the Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP), marking it as the first project to receive authorization under the state’s Opt-In Certification program. Once completed, the DCEP will feature the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) globally, solidifying its position as the largest solar-plus-storage project in the world.

Proposed by IP Darden I, LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power, the project will occupy 9,500 acres of land in western Fresno County, which is no longer viable for agricultural use. Established under Assembly Bill 205, California’s Opt-In Certification program aims to streamline the permitting process for eligible clean energy projects, allowing them to come online more efficiently. This program stipulates that the environmental review for a project must be completed within 270 days of the application being deemed complete, barring any significant changes to the project.

“California is moving faster than ever before to build the clean energy we need – now with the world’s largest solar and battery project,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom. “With a record amount of clean energy capacity added last year, we’re creating jobs and supporting local communities – all while building a cleaner, more reliable power grid.”

### Details on the DCEP

The DCEP will comprise a 1,150 megawatt (MW) solar facility featuring approximately 3.1 million panels, alongside up to 1,150 MW/4,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, which is sufficient to power 850,000 homes for four hours. Projects approved through the Opt-In Certification program must also provide community and economic benefits. The DCEP includes:

– $2 million in community investments over the next decade, starting with a $320,000 commitment to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, a nonprofit supporting crime victims, family wellness, and civic engagement in rural communities.
– More than 2,000 prevailing-wage construction jobs to support the local workforce during the construction period, which will last between 1.5 to 3 years.
– An estimated $169 million in economic benefits to the local area over the project’s expected 35-year lifespan.

“Today’s clean energy projects must do more than just deliver megawatts. They should create value in the communities where they’re built,” affirmed CEC Commissioner Noemi Gallardo. “This project exemplifies a community-focused approach that advances the state’s energy goals while creating benefits for local workers and residents.”

“The transition to 100% clean electricity by 2045 requires bold, utility-scale projects like Darden,” added CEC Chair David Hochschild. “This project is significant not only for its size but also for its cutting-edge design and safety measures.”

The Edwards & Sanborn Solar + Storage Project currently holds the title for the largest PV array and BESS in the United States, but the Darden Clean Energy Project is poised to surpass it soon.

### California’s Battery Build-out and Record Setting

California is a leader in the U.S. for battery storage capacity, trailing only China globally. The state operates over 200 utility-scale systems and more than 250,000 commercial and residential installations, totaling over 15,700 megawatts statewide. New installations are emerging rapidly, including projects like EDP Renewables North America’s recently inaugurated 200 MW Scarlett II Solar Energy Park, which features a co-located 150 MW/600 MWh BESS.

The Darden project builds upon a series of clean energy milestones recently achieved in California. Last year, California’s main grid operated on 100% clean energy for part of the day on three out of every five days. So far this year, the grid has reached 100% clean energy on 138 out of 151 days, representing 91% of days through May. In 2024, the state added 7,000 MW of clean energy capacity to the grid, marking the largest single-year increase in its history, with a total of 25,000 megawatts added over the past five years.

### Other Opt-In Projects

Last October, it was reported that the CEC was reviewing six projects under its new certification process, including the DCEP. The CEC is now considering at least eight projects:

– Perkins Renewable Energy Project
– Compass Energy Storage Project
– Corby Battery Energy Storage System Project
– Fountain Wind Project
– Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System
– Soda Mountain Solar Project
– Viracocha Hill Battery Energy Storage System Project

If all eight projects receive CEC approval and are constructed as planned, California would expedite the development of 205 MW of onshore wind, 2,600 MW of solar PV, and an impressive 3,640.7 MW of battery energy storage.