California Construction News staff writer
A major clean energy project in Fresno County has been given the green light to move forward, thanks to a streamlined approval process that aims to speed up the development of renewable energy infrastructure in California. The Cornucopia Hybrid Project, which will deliver 300 megawatts (MW) of solar power and another 300 MW of battery storage, is expected to provide power for up to 300,000 homes.
The project will combine solar energy with battery storage to dispatch carbon-free electricity to the grid, especially during evening and nighttime hours when renewable energy generation is typically low. This will help ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy supply as California works toward meeting its clean energy targets, including 90% clean electricity by 2035 and 100% by 2045.
The Cornucopia Hybrid Project is one of the first to benefit from changes to state laws aimed at reducing delays in critical clean energy projects. Under the provisions of SB 7 and SB 149, projects like Cornucopia can now bypass long legal battles that often hold up construction. The new rules require courts to resolve legal challenges within 270 days, speeding up the timeline and allowing projects to proceed without years of delays.
In addition to contributing to California’s renewable energy goals, the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. It will create hundreds of construction jobs, as well as long-term operational positions once the facility is up and running. The project will also generate tax revenue for local schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.
The development of the Cornucopia Hybrid Project is also focused on safety, especially regarding battery storage systems. As the technology evolves, new safety measures are being implemented to address potential risks. California is updating its Fire Code this year to include enhanced standards for battery energy storage systems (BESS), which will help improve safety as the state expands its energy storage capacity.
With the approval of projects like Cornucopia, California is accelerating its transition to a clean energy future. The state is tapping into both local and federal infrastructure funding to support projects that will modernize the energy grid and create thousands of new jobs over the next decade.
