California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he is taking steps to streamline a clean energy project in Fresno that would supply power to up to 300,000 homes.

The Governor has certified the Cornucopia Hybrid Project in Fresno County, applying a law to expedite construction. The certification simplifies the process for legal challenges that could otherwise cause lengthy delays.

The Cornucopia Hybrid Project is designed to supply 300 MW of renewable solar energy and 300 MW of battery storage, enabling the facility to provide carbon-free electricity to the grid during peak hours, including evening and nighttime hours.

This project not only contributes to advancing California's clean energy goals, helping the state reach 90% clean electricity by 2035 and 100% by 2045, but it also fosters economic growth and job creation. According to government information, the project will generate crucial tax revenue for local schools, infrastructure, and emergency services, while promoting construction and long-term operational jobs.

Regarding safety, the project aligns with California's efforts to proactively address the safety of battery storage systems through state collaborations and regulatory updates, such as the recent update to California’s Fire Code, which will be implemented this year and include enhanced BESS safety standards.

Additionally, SB 7 (2021) and SB 149 of 2023 allow the Governor to certify clean energy projects for expedited judicial review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), speeding up legal processes and enabling courts to resolve challenges more efficiently, saving months or even years of delays in litigation after the project has passed environmental review.

Newsom stated, “In California, we focus on the 'how': we move quickly to meet our world-leading clean energy goals. By accelerating crucial projects like this in Fresno, we are creating well-paying jobs, reducing pollution, and building a cleaner, more reliable power grid to serve Californians for generations.”