Focus
California PUC approves battery storage safety rules
Utility Dive – March 17
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved new maintenance and operation standards for battery storage resources, including requiring facility owners to develop emergency response and emergency action plans. Along with new safety standards for the maintenance and operation of energy storage systems, the CPUC said it “made explicit that battery storage facility owners must develop emergency response and emergency action plans,” as required by state law. Battery storage in California has grown rapidly in recent years, expanding from about 500 MW in 2019 to more than 13,000 MW last year, according to the commission.
News
Trump nixes Biden-era solar manufacturing proclamation
Solar Power World – March 20
The Trump administration has rescinded an order made under former President Joe Biden that designated solar photovoltaic technologies as necessary elements of national security. In a document published last Thursday in the Federal Register, President Donald Trump reversed 18 orders and actions from previous administrations, including Presidential Determination No. 2022-15, which under the Defense Production Act of 1950, encouraged the domestic production of solar PV modules.
Geothermal expansion effort at The Geysers seeks help from California lawmakers on speeding up permits
North Bay Business Journal – March 17
California legislators have introduced several measures seeking to streamline the permitting process for geothermal projects. Assembly Bill 526 by Assemblymember Diane Papan, aims to create a strategic plan for geothermal energy development in the state. AB 527, also sponsored by Papan, would align California's permitting process with the federal rules established under the Biden administration. The third bill, AB 531 by Assemblymember Chris Rogers, whose North Coast district includes The Geysers, the world's largest energy-producing geothermal field, would allow geothermal projects of all sizes to be permitted through the California Energy Commission, rather than only those exceeding the current 50 MW threshold.
Projects
Fresno clean energy project set to power 300,000 homes with solar and battery storage
California Construction News – March 23
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 MW of solar power and another 300 MW of battery storage, is expected to provide power for up to 300,000 homes.
Chick-fil-A launches third solar plus storage microgrid in California
Microgrid Knowledge – March 20
Restaurant chain Chick-fil-A celebrated the launch of its third microgrid in California last Wednesday. The solar plus storage microgrid will provide one-third of the annual energy demand of the locally owned and operated Quarry Creek location in Oceanside. The Quarry Creek microgrid is the company’s third project with SolMicroGrid. Similar systems were commissioned in Stockton in 2022 and Santa Rosa in 2024.
EPA withdraws Atlantic Shores offshore wind permit amid environmental review
Environment + Energy Leader – March 19
The Environmental Appeals Board of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted a motion for voluntary remand, effectively withdrawing the Clean Air Act permit for the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project. The March 14, 2025, decision follows a petition by Save Long Beach Island, citing environmental concerns, and aligns with a broader federal directive to reassess offshore wind permitting practices.
T1 Energy to establish $850M solar cell facility in Texas
Manufacturing Dive – March 20
T1 Energy, formerly known as Freyr Battery, announced plans on Monday to establish a 5 GW solar cell facility in Rockdale, Texas. T1 Energy aims to begin construction in Q2 or Q3, and production is anticipated to begin in Q4 2026.
*This article may require a subscription to read.
[View source.]
