"From Fallowed Fields to Renewable Power: The Darden Clean Energy Project Sparks Hope and Controversy in Fresno County"
Darden Clean Energy Project: A New Era for Fallowed Farmland in Fresno County
CANTUA CREEK, Calif. — In a striking transformation of the landscape, approximately 15 square miles of fallowed farmland in western Fresno County are set to become home to one of the largest solar and battery energy storage projects in the world. The Darden Clean Energy Project, approved by the California Energy Commission in June, is designed to generate enough power to supply around 850,000 homes for four hours.
Fast-Tracked Development
The Darden project is the first to be fast-tracked under California’s 2022 Opt-In Certification Program, which allows large renewable energy projects to bypass local government approvals. This initiative aims to streamline the permitting process, reducing the time it takes to bring renewable energy projects online. Governor Gavin Newsom heralded the approval as a significant step toward California’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045.
However, the rapid pace of development has left many residents in rural western Fresno County feeling blindsided. Local advocacy groups, including Rural Communities Rising, have raised concerns about the implications of such large-scale projects on impoverished communities that have historically been marginalized.
Community Concerns
Espi Sandoval, a board member of Rural Communities Rising, expressed frustration over the lack of local engagement in the planning process. “We’re forgotten by the government. Now we’ve got this private sector coming in with these huge solar panel farms,” Sandoval said. The area, predominantly Latino and economically disadvantaged, has been historically exploited by corporate agriculture, and residents are wary of repeating past mistakes.
Nearby towns like Cantua Creek, Five Points, and Three Rocks are situated in a census tract where over a third of residents live in poverty—double the rate for Fresno County overall. These communities already grapple with issues such as poor drinking water, air quality, and limited access to essential services.
In a letter to state officials, dozens of environmental justice groups warned that the Darden project could either facilitate a just energy transition or perpetuate patterns of disinvestment in low-income communities of color.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Darden project, owned by IP Darden I, a subsidiary of Intersect Power, is projected to become the second-largest property taxpayer in Fresno County, contributing at least $232 million over the next decade. The project is expected to create over 1,200 construction jobs and 16 full-time operational positions once completed.
Maria Pacheco, mayor of Kerman, a nearby city, emphasized the potential benefits of the project, stating that the jobs and tax revenue could be transformative for the San Joaquin Valley, providing essential services and infrastructure improvements.
Community Benefits Agreement
As part of the fast-track process, Intersect Power is required to enter into a community benefits agreement. The company has committed to donating $2 million to local organizations over the next decade, with an additional $5 million over the project’s lifespan. This funding aims to support initiatives that address housing, health, and educational needs in the region.
However, some residents question the effectiveness of these donations. Sandoval criticized the focus on funding initiatives like after-school piano lessons, arguing that the community needs more direct support for pressing issues like water quality and job training.
Safety Concerns
While the Darden project promises significant economic benefits, residents have expressed concerns about the safety of lithium-ion battery storage, particularly following a fire at a similar facility in Moss Landing earlier this year. The blaze raised alarms about the risks associated with large-scale battery systems, prompting discussions about fire safety measures at the Darden site.
Intersect Power has assured the community that safety protocols will be strictly followed, including the use of independent enclosures for battery storage and thermal detection systems. Nevertheless, local fire officials have highlighted the need for additional resources to ensure adequate emergency response capabilities in the area.
Looking Ahead
Construction on the Darden Clean Energy Project is expected to commence by the end of this year, with operations slated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028. The project will utilize 9,500 acres of land sold by the Westlands Water District, which has faced challenges in maintaining agricultural viability due to soil degradation and water scarcity.
As California continues to push for renewable energy solutions, the Darden project serves as a critical test case for balancing economic development with community needs and environmental justice. The stakes are high, not only for the residents of western Fresno County but also for the state’s broader clean energy goals.
In a region where agricultural jobs have dwindled, the Darden project represents both an opportunity and a challenge. As the community grapples with the implications of this massive energy initiative, the hope remains that it will lead to a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents.