BLM advances clean energy in California

Mar 26, 2023

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has approved the Sunlight Storage II Battery Energy Storage System in Riverside County to add up to 300 megawatts for a total 530 megawatts of energy storage capacity provided to the state power grid from the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, another step toward meeting the Biden-Harris administration's goal of achieving a carbon-free electric grid by 2035.

"Continuing to invest in clean renewable energy remains a high priority for the BLM, and battery storage systems help meet increasing demands to energy usage and security," said Shelly Lynch, California Desert District Manager.

This battery energy storage project will help relieve demand on the electrical grid by storing renewable energy and allowing it to be delivered when the system is not generating electricity. Additional information and project documents are available online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2023119/510.

In 2021, the BLM approved construction of the Desert Sunlight Battery Energy Storage System within the Desert Sunlight Solar facilities, both of which are now fully operational and currently provide 550 megawatts of electricity and 230 megawatts of energy storage capacity to the state power grid. Once complete, the additional battery storage system will provide another 300 megawatts for a total of 530 megawatts of energy storage capacity.

All Desert Sunlight Solar facilities, including the newly-approved Sunlight Storage II Battery Energy Storage System, are in an area analyzed and identified as suitable for renewable energy development as part of BLM's Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, a landscape-level plan focused on 10.8 million acres of public lands in the desert regions of seven California counties that streamlines renewable energy development, while conserving unique and valuable desert ecosystems and providing outdoor recreation opportunities. To approve these sites for renewable energy projects, the Department of the Interior and the BLM work with Tribal governments, local communities, state regulators, industry, and other federal agencies.

The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation's renewable energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation's public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration's goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.

For additional information, please contact the BLM Project Manager Regan Watt at [email protected].

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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Download a photo of the Desert Sunlight Battery Energy Storage System is now fully operational (Photo courtesy of NextEra).