The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved the implementation of a 1.1 gigawatt solar and 4.6 gigawatt hour energy storage project in Fresno County, making it the first approved project under the state's certification program.

According to the authorization of Congressional Act 205, choosing to join the certification program provides a merged state licensing option for eligible clean energy projects, supporting California to achieve 100% zero carbon retail electricity sales by 2045 as required by Senate Bill 100. According to regulations, the environmental review of a project must be completed within 270 days from the date the project application is deemed completed, unless there are significant project changes that require more time for review.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said, "California is building the clean energy we need at an unprecedented pace - currently the world's largest solar and battery project has been built. Last year, the new installed capacity of clean energy reached a historic high, and we are creating job opportunities, supporting local communities, and building a cleaner and more reliable power grid

The Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP) will be built on a 9500 acre piece of land in western Fresno County, which is no longer suitable for agricultural production. The project includes a 1150 MW solar power plant equipped with approximately 3.1 million solar panels and a battery energy storage system of up to 1150 MW (4600 megawatt hours), enough to power 850000 households for four hours. The project owner is IP Darden I LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power.

Projects seeking approval through the "opt in certification" program must provide community and economic benefits. DCEP includes:

Over the next decade, we will invest $2 million in the community, with the first batch donating $320000 to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, a non-profit organization that supports crime victims, family health, and citizen engagement in rural communities.
During the entire construction period (which will last from 18 months to 3 years), more than 2000 construction jobs calculated at current wages will be provided to support the local workforce.
The project is expected to operate for 35 years and bring approximately $169 million in economic benefits to the local area.

Today's clean energy projects should not only provide megawatts of electricity, but also create value for the communities in which they operate, "said Noem í Gallardo, a member of the California Energy Commission. This project embodies a community centered philosophy that not only advances California's energy goals, but also creates welfare for local workers and residents