The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a third large clean energy project under its fast-track “Opt-In Certification” program (CEC press release, 26/05/2026). The newly approved project is the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System in Alameda County, California (United States). It will provide 400 MW of storage capacity and up to 3,200 MWh of stored electricity. Its role is to store excess solar or low-cost energy and release it when demand is high, improving grid reliability. Construction is expected to start in May 2027 and to last 18 months (commissioning in late 2029).
This is the third major project approved through the Opt-In Certification program in one year. The other approved projects are Soda Mountain Solar project (300 MW solar and 300 MW/1,200 MWh BESS, approved in April 2026) and Darden Clean Energy Project (1,150 MW solar and 1,150 MW/4,600 MWh BESS, approved in June 2025). The Opt-In Certification program streamlines permitting by consolidating approvals into a single state process. The program aims to speed up clean energy development while maintaining environmental standards, public input, and tribal consultation.
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