New solar plus storage for Fresno County

GSCE and MCE aim to make the project commercially operable between 2028-2030. (Image Credit: MCE)

Golden State Clean Energy (GSCE) and MCE, both US-based companies, are partnering to develop solar and battery storage resources in Fresno County. The Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan aims to transform water-challenged land within the Westlands Water District into infrastructure for transmission, solar and storage hybrid. This initiative could deliver 200-400 MW of solar power and an equal amount of 4- or 8-hour battery storage, helping MCE meet its mid-term and long-term procurement needs. The project is expected to be commercially operational between 2028 and 2030. It could generate enough electricity to power over 160,000 homes annually. At full buildout, the plan will encompass up to 20 GW of solar and storage, potentially fulfilling one-sixth of California’s electricity needs by 2035. The MoU with GSCE allows MCE to either build the project directly or acquire resources through a Power Purchase Agreement.