IP Darden, LLC and Affiliates is one step closer to constructing and operating the Darden Clean Energy Project located in western Fresno County. If permitted, the project would be the largest solar project in the nation. The solar PV facility would be made up of approximately 3,100,000 solar panels, inverter-transformer stations, and an electrical collection system, and would be located on approximately 9,100 acres of lands currently owned by Westlands Water District that would be purchased by IP Darden.
The project consists of:
A 1,150 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility
An up to 4,600 MW-hour battery energy storage system (BESS)
A 34.5-500 kilovolt (kV) grid step-up substation
A 10- to 15-mile 500 kV generation intertie line
A 500 kV utility switching station
The project would interconnect to the existing Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Los Banos-Midway #2 500 kV transmission line.
The project developer (IP Darden) submitted an application to the California Energy Commission (CEC) on Nov. 9, 2023, to seek approval through the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program. This program allows certain clean energy projects to undergo a streamlined certification process administered through the CEC.
As of September 19, 2024 the CEC has reviewed the application and deemed it complete, which initiated a 270-day certification process. The next requirement in this process is to hold a public meeting, where community members, local governments, and California Native American tribes can learn more about the project, understand the certification process, and express any concerns regarding potential environmental impacts.
The CEC will hold a public meeting on October 16, 2024 on the proposed Darden Clean Energy Project in Fresno County. The purpose of the meeting is for the applicant to explain the project, the CEC to explain the Opt-In Certification process, and for the public to learn more details and express any concerns and questions they may have about the project. This will be a hybrid meeting with an in-person location as noted below and Zoom access online or by phone.
Meeting Date: October 16, 2024
Meeting Time: 2PM - 6:30PM
Location: Harris Ranch Resort, South Ballroom, 24505 West Dorris Ave., Coalinga, 93210
Zoom: Link
About Opt-In Certification
In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 205 as part of his build more, faster agenda which is focused on delivering critical infrastructure upgrades throughout California. The bill created an alternative certification option for certain clean energy projects through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources.
Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency and will hold public meetings at or near the proposed project location to gather input on the project. Except for specific cases, the environmental review must be completed within 270 days after the application is deemed complete.
The law mandates consultation with California Native American tribes and allows for public comment throughout the process. Should the CEC approve the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law.
Information sourced from California Energy Commission.
