Darden Project Set to Become World’s Largest Battery Storage Facility

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has recently approved the Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP), marking it as the first project given green signal under the state’s Opt-In Certification program introduced through Assembly Bill 205. The project is expected to become the world’s largest battery energy storage system once completed.

DCEP, led by developer IP Darden I, LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power, will be built on approximately 9,500 acres of non-arable land in western Fresno County. 

The Darden project will integrate a 1,150-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic facility, consisting of around 3.1 million panels. In addition, it will also include up to 1,150 MW (or 4,600 megawatt-hours) of battery storage capacity. Once operational, it could power up to 850,000 homes for four hours.

Part of California’s Broader Energy Goals

The approval supports California’s long-term target to achieve 100 percent zero-carbon electricity sales by 2045, as required by Senate Bill 100. The Opt-In Certification program allows eligible projects to undergo a faster environmental review process – capped at 270 days unless major project changes occur.

Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the approval, stating, “California is moving faster than ever before to build the clean energy we need – now with the world’s largest solar and battery project.”

CEC Chair David Hochschild added, “The transition to 100 percent clean electricity by 2045 requires bold, utility-scale projects like Darden.”

Community and Economic Benefits

In addition to its energy capacity, the Darden project also promises community and economic contributions. It is a USD 2 million commitment of over 10 years to community programs, starting with a USD 320,000 donation to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services. Plus, it paves the way for over 2,000 construction jobs during a 1.5 to 3-year building period. Overall, it results in an estimated USD 169 million in local economic benefits over its expected 35-year lifespan.

CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo emphasised the project’s local value, saying, “Today’s clean energy projects must do more than just deliver megawatts. They should create value in the communities where they’re built.”

Focus on Safety as Storage Grows

As California rapidly expands its battery storage capacity – now totalling over 15,700 MW – safety standards are being reinforced. New measures include updates to the California Fire Code and oversight improvements from the Public Utilities Commission. These efforts follow a 2024 initiative by Governor Newsom to coordinate safety standards across state agencies.

California now ranks second globally in battery storage capacity, behind only China. The Darden project builds on the state’s recent clean energy growth. In 2024, California added a record 7,000 MW of clean energy, and in 2025, its main grid has already reached 100 percent clean power on 91 percent of days through May.