Fifth Standard Solar Power and Battery Storage

The project includes a 150-MW solar PV facility and battery storage facility that can discharge 137 MWs over a four-hour period. The project has the capacity to generate enough green electricity to power more than 26,000 homes, supports California’s clean energy goals as the state works toward its net zero goal of 2045.

ESA assisted the client with the preparation and submittal of its Initial Study and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application for the project, and provided Williamson Act cancellation petition, CEQA EIR Consulting and Agency coordination support. Significant environmental issues included agricultural productivity and land conversion, water use and supply, and air quality.

ESA worked alongside the client to develop the project description and operational statement; undertake air, biological resource, traffic and agricultural analyses; prepare documentation to address the Fresno County Solar Electrical Generation Facility Guidance requirements and prepare comprehensive Williamson cancellation petitions for the County and the Department of Conservation. The Fresno County Agricultural Land Conservation Committee (ALCC) unanimously approved the requested Williamson Act cancellation for the project on July 8, 2020, and the Planning Commission certified the EIR and approved the requested use permit in November 2020. Construction was completed in 2023.

A key ESA contribution was strategic advice for development on prime farmland, working with the client on project design modifications to minimize impacts, engaging ESA agricultural experts into the dialogue with both the client and the County, and supporting the client in identifying current agricultural productivity and irrigation practices that support the suitability of the project site for solar. ESA also facilitated the County pre-application meeting and CUP application review process, and supported consultation with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 9510 requirements and the Voluntary Emissions Reduction Agreement mitigation compliance. On behalf of the applicant, ESA attended CEQA scoping meetings, provided public outreach materials for and attended public hearings on the Draft EIR.