Newsom Accelerates Fresno County Solar Project Powering 300K Homes

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday certified an enormous solar and battery project in western Fresno County, meaning it can bypass many legal challenges that often delay large projects.

“By fast-tracking critical projects like this one in Fresno, we’re creating good-paying jobs, cutting pollution, and building a cleaner, more reliable energy grid to serve Californians for generations.” — Gov. Gavin Newsom

The Cornucopia Hybrid Energy Project will bring 300 megawatts of solar energy — enough to power 300,000 homes — to farmland near Coalinga

“In California, we’re in the ‘how’ business — we’re moving fast to achieve our world-leading clean energy goals,” Newsom said in a statement. “By fast-tracking critical projects like this one in Fresno, we’re creating good-paying jobs, cutting pollution, and building a cleaner, more reliable energy grid to serve Californians for generations.”

Related Story: Inside Look at Fresno County Westside Solar Plan to Power 9 Million Homes

Construction Could Begin in 2027

Germany-based BayWa r.e. plans to begin building the project in late 2027, with operations beginning mid-2030.

Fresno County planners are reviewing the project’s environmental impact report, released in winter 2024. After review, they’ll release the EIR 30 to 60 days later, according to Chris Motta, division manager with the county department of public works and planning.

BayWa described the land as nonprime. It still holds Williamson Act contracts, limiting uses in exchange for tax benefits.

Senate Bill 7 — passed in 2021 — allows the governor to certify clean energy projects under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Newsom’s office said the project would help California achieve its goal of 90% clean energy by 2035.