CEC to Hold First Public Meeting on Darden Clean Energy Project in Fresno County

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2024

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission(CEC) will hold a public meetingregarding the proposed Darden Clean Energy Project in Fresno County. The purpose of the public meeting is for the applicant to explain the project, the CEC to explain the process, and for the public to learn more details and express any concerns and questions they may have about the project. This will be a hybrid meeting with an in-person location as noted below and Zoom access online or by phone. Spanish translation will be provided in-person and via Zoom.

The project developer submitted an application to the CEC on Nov. 9, 2023, to seek approval through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program allows certain clean energy projects to undergo a streamlined certification process administered through the CEC.

The project consists of:

• A 1,150 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic facility
• An up to 4,600 MW-hour battery energy storage system
• An up to 800 MW green hydrogen generator
• A 34.5-500 kilovolt (kV) grid step-up substation
• A 10- to 15-mile 500 kV generation intertie line
• A 500 kV utility switching station

The CEC has reviewed the application and deemed it complete as of Sept. 19, which began a 270-day certification process. The next requirement in this process is to hold a public meeting, where community members, local governments, and California Native American tribes can learn more about the project, understand the certification process, and express any concerns regarding potential environmental impacts.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16
• In-Person: Harris Ranch, 24505 West Dorris Ave., Coalinga, 93210
• Meeting time and Zoom link for remote access will be posted at energy.ca.gov/events as it becomes available.

During the meeting, CEC staff will explain their role and responsibilities in reviewing the application and engaging with government agencies, California Native American tribes, neighboring communities, interested members of the public, and others. The project applicant will also present its proposed plans for building and operating the project and related facilities. The CEC's Public Advisor will outline how the public can get involved in the process including participation in later stages like the environmental review and decision-making phases.

There will be an opportunity for California Native American tribes, responsible and trustee agencies, elected officials, other government agencies, communities, and interested members of the public to provide comments. More information:

• Download and read the Determination of Complete Application.
• For more project details, and to sign up to receive email updates on this project, visit the Darden Clean Energy Project application webpage.

About Opt-In Certification

In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 205 as part of his build more, faster agendawhich is focused on delivering critical infrastructure upgrades throughout California. The bill created an alternative certification option for certain clean energy projects through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources.

Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency and will hold public meetings at or near the proposed project location to gather input on the project. Except for specific cases, the environmental review must be completed within 270 days after the application is deemed complete.

The law mandates consultation with California Native American tribes and allows for public comment throughout the process. Should the CEC approve the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law.

For more information about the program, visit the Opt-In Certification Program webpage.

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About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.

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