SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a groundbreaking move solidifying its position as a global leader in clean energy, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved the Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP)—set to become the largest battery energy storage system in the world.
The project is the first to receive approval under California’s new Opt-In Certification Program, which streamlines permitting for large-scale clean energy initiatives. DCEP will be constructed on 9,500 acres of non-arable land in western Fresno County and is being developed by IP Darden I, LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power.
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- 1 A Milestone for Solar + Storage Capacity
- 2 Community and Economic Benefits
- 3 Battery Storage and Grid Reliability
- 4 California’s National Leadership in Battery Storage
A Milestone for Solar + Storage Capacity
Once complete, DCEP will include:
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A 1,150-megawatt (MW) solar facility featuring approximately 3.1 million panels
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Up to 1,150 MW / 4,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage
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Enough combined capacity to power 850,000 homes for four hours
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the approval as a step forward for both clean energy and economic development.
“California is moving faster than ever before to build the clean energy we need – now with the world’s largest solar and battery project,” Newsom said. “We’re creating jobs, supporting communities, and building a cleaner, more reliable power grid.”
Community and Economic Benefits
The Darden project is expected to bring:
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2,000+ prevailing-wage construction jobs
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$2 million in community investments over the next 10 years
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An estimated $169 million in economic benefits across a 35-year lifespan
CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo emphasized the importance of community involvement in green infrastructure projects.
“Today’s clean energy projects must do more than just deliver megawatts. They should create value in the communities where they’re built.”
Battery Storage and Grid Reliability
As the state pushes toward its ambitious goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045, utility-scale projects like DCEP are seen as essential.
CEC Chair David Hochschild noted that:
“This project is significant not only for its size but its cutting-edge design and safety measures.”
Safety has become a core focus in California’s battery energy storage expansion. In 2024, Governor Newsom launched a statewide collaboration to enhance fire and safety protocols, including:
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Updates to the California Fire Code
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New battery storage safety standards approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
California’s National Leadership in Battery Storage
California currently leads the nation with:
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Over 15,700 megawatts of total installed battery capacity
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More than 200 utility-scale battery systems
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Over 250,000 commercial and residential installations
The DCEP adds to a streak of clean energy milestones. So far in 2025, the state’s main power grid has operated on 100% clean electricity for 91% of the days through May, according to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
