BLM approves Alta Wind Battery Energy Storage project in California
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RIDGECREST, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management today approved the Alta Wind Battery Energy Storage System right-of-way in Kern County. The project is designed to deliver 150 megawatts of electricity to the California power grid, store up to 1,200 megawatt hours, and increase the reliability and availability of clean power produced by the existing Alta Wind Energy Center.
“Battery energy storage projects like Alta Wind support the delivery of reliable and increasingly clean energy to consumers,” said BLM California Acting State Director Gordon Toevs. “The BLM continues to advance clean energy development and enhance America’s energy security.”
The 25-acre project will be located entirely within the existing right-of-way issued for the Alta 1 Wind Facility. The battery systems will be enclosed in climate-controlled containers with individual clean gas fire suppression systems. Additional information and project documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
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.
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.