CEC Approves Soda Mountain Solar and Battery Storage Project in San Bernardino County

For Immediate Release: April 27, 2026

En Español

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission (CEC) on Monday approved the Soda Mountain Solar Project through its Opt-In Certification program, created to help speed up clean energy permitting and deployment across the state.

Soda Mountain Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of VC Renewables, will construct and operate a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS). The project will be located on approximately 2,670 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District in San Bernardino County, contingent on BLM approval.

Once built, the nearly $700 million project will generate up to 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from a utility-scale solar PV array and include up to 300 MW of battery storage capable of storing 1,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy. This will strengthen statewide grid reliability and help California move closer to achieving its clean energy and climate goals. The project is expected to create approximately 200 construction jobs and up to 40 part-time operations jobs and additional jobs as needed to conduct routine inspections, maintenance, and security along with millions of dollars in local economic activity and tax revenue to support public services in San Bernardino County.

The project also includes a community benefits agreement that commits the developer to pay $50,000 to Friends of El Mirage, a local nonprofit that supports outdoor recreation and public land stewardship in San Bernardino County. The funding will pay for improvements to amenities at the Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

"This project doesn't solely deliver clean, reliable energy - it brings jobs and meaningful economic investment to the region," said CEC Commissioner Noemi Gallardo. "We are committed to seeing that the benefits of California's energy transition are felt locally, in the communities where these projects are built."

"The Opt-In Certification program is designed to accelerate the development of critical clean energy infrastructure without compromising California's rigorous environmental protections or commitment to meaningful community engagement," said CEC Chair David Hochschild. "Today's approval shows we can move projects forward with urgency and efficiency while preserving the values that matter most to Californians."

Soda Mountain is the second renewable energy project approved through the Opt-In Certification Program. Authorized under Assembly Bill 205, the Opt-In Certification Program provides a consolidated state permitting option for eligible clean energy projects, supporting California's transition to 100 percent zero-carbon retail electric sales by 2045, as required by Senate Bill 100.

About Opt-In Certification

As part of Governor Gavin Newsom's build more, faster agenda, the state created an alternative permitting pathway for certain clean energy projects through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources. Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act and will hold public meetings at or near proposed project locations to gather input on the proposed projects. Under statute, the environmental review for a project must be completed within 270 days from the point the project application is deemed complete, unless significant project changes arise that require more time to review. The CEC will invite consultation with California Native American tribes, conduct public meetings in the local area, and facilitate and consider public comment throughout the process.

If the CEC approves the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law. If certified, the CEC monitors construction and operation of the project throughout its lifetime pursuant to established conditions of certification, including enforcement of any violations and decommissioning when appropriate.

For more information about the program, visit the Opt-In Certification Program webpage.

About Battery Storage

Safe development and operation of BESS has been and remains a top priority for California energy agencies. The CEC is part of a cross-agency collaborative convened by Governor Newsom to find opportunities to improve safety as technology continues evolving. Key initiatives include 1) an update to the California Fire Code, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and included enhanced BESS safety standards, and 2) new safety protocols for the maintenance and operation of BESS facilities, approved in March 2025 by the California Public Utilities Commission. The California Public Utilities Commission in March voted to require new safety protocols for the maintenance and operation of BESS facilities. These and other ongoing efforts are based on the latest studies and consultation with experts to keep California at the forefront of safe and reliable battery storage technology deployment.

To obtain certification, a BESS would be required to meet strict safety and environmental standards. Possible mitigation requirements include:

• Compliance with top-tier safety measures, such as the California Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 855).
• Ongoing collaboration with the local fire department so local first responders are fully equipped to handle potential incidents.
• A dedicated command and control center outside the BESS facility for safe incident management.
• Real-time environmental monitoring of air and water quality in the event of an emergency.
• Deflagration panels to safely vent gases and minimize fire hazards.
• Thermal infrared cameras for real-time monitoring and early detection of potential fire events.
  

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About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.