The California Energy Commission has approved a major battery energy storage project in eastern Alameda County, advancing another large-scale clean energy development through the state’s accelerated permitting process.
The project, known as the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System, will deliver 400 MW of battery storage capacity and up to 3,200 MWh of stored electricity once operational. Developer Clearway Energy Group plans to build and operate the facility through its subsidiary, Levy Alameda, LLC.
State regulators approved the project under California’s Opt-In Certification program, a streamlined permitting pathway created to speed up development of clean energy infrastructure while maintaining environmental review and public consultation requirements.
Large-Scale Energy Storage Planned for Alameda County
The battery storage facility will absorb electricity during periods of excess generation or lower power demand, particularly when solar production is high, then release that stored energy back to the grid when demand rises.
California officials say projects like Potentia-Viridi are becoming increasingly important as the state expands renewable energy generation and works to stabilize grid operations during peak demand periods.
Construction is expected to begin in May 2027 and continue for roughly 18 months. During peak construction activity, the project could employ up to 127 workers monthly, with average workforce levels projected at about 97 workers throughout the build phase.
Once operational, the facility is expected to support 18 full-time jobs over an estimated 35-year operating life.
Community Funding Included in Project Agreements
As part of the project’s approval framework, Levy Alameda entered into community benefits agreements that will direct funding toward local nonprofit organizations.
The agreements include nearly $925,000 in committed support for community groups including Tri-Valley Haven and the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance, with potential future donations increasing the total contribution to approximately $1.1 million over two decades.
Tri-Valley Haven provides services for women and children facing abuse and homelessness, while the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance manages programs supporting organizations across Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Danville.
California Expands Fast-Track Clean Energy Approvals
The Potentia-Viridi project marks the third major clean energy development approved through California’s Opt-In Certification program within the past year.
Earlier this year, the CEC approved the Soda Mountain Solar Project, a combined solar and battery storage development in San Bernardino County featuring 300 MW of solar generation and 1,200 MWh of battery storage.
In 2025, regulators also approved the Darden Clean Energy Project in Fresno County, which is currently under construction. That project includes 1,150 MW of solar generation alongside 4,600 MWh of battery storage capacity.
Combined, the three projects represent roughly 3,300 MW of clean energy resources, including 1,850 MW of battery storage capable of storing about 9,000 MWh of electricity statewide.
California officials say the projects collectively support thousands of construction jobs, long-term operational employment, and millions of dollars in direct community investments while helping the state move toward its goal of achieving 100% renewable and zero-carbon retail electricity sales by 2045.
Additionally, the Potentia-Viridi project in California reflects the same accelerating U.S. storage pipeline, with Michigan now scaling even further through a $1.6B buildout led by DTE Energy and LG Energy Solution Vertech, adding 1.5 GW of capacity across eight projects.
Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System – Factsheet
Project Overview
- Project Name: Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System
- Project Type: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- Location: Eastern Alameda County, California
- Developer: Clearway Energy Group through subsidiary Levy Alameda, LLC
- Approving Authority: California Energy Commission
- Approval Program: Opt-In Certification Program
Capacity and Operations
- Storage Capacity: 400 MW
- Energy Storage Duration: Up to 3,200 MWh
- Purpose: Store excess electricity and discharge power back to the grid during periods of high demand
- Grid Role: Supports statewide grid reliability and renewable energy integration
Construction Timeline
- Expected Construction Start: May 2027
- Estimated Construction Duration: Approximately 18 months
- Operational Life: Estimated 35 years
Employment Impact
- Average Construction Workforce: About 97 workers per month
- Peak Construction Workforce: Approximately 127 workers
- Permanent Jobs: 18 full-time operational positions
Community Benefits
- Community Benefit Funding: $925,000 committed initially
- Potential Total Contributions: Up to $1.1 million over 20 years
- Beneficiary Organizations:
- Tri-Valley Haven
- Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance
California Opt-In Certification Program
- Established Under: Assembly Bill 205
- Goal: Accelerate permitting for eligible clean energy infrastructure projects
- State Target Supported: 100% renewable and zero-carbon retail electricity sales by 2045 under Senate Bill 100
Related Approved Projects
- Soda Mountain Solar Project
- 300 MW solar
- 300 MW / 1,200 MWh battery storage
- Darden Clean Energy Project
- 1,150 MW solar
- 1,150 MW / 4,600 MWh battery storage
Combined Impact of Approved Opt-In Projects
- Total Solar Generation: 1,450 MW
- Total Storage Capacity: 1,850 MW
- Total Stored Energy Capacity: 9,000 MWh
- Estimated Construction Jobs: More than 2,300 statewide
- Direct Community Investments: More than $3 million
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