AES has recently completed the first phase of Bellefield, a project that is set to become the largest solar and storage facility in the United States. The project, located in Kern County, California, consists of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar and battery storage, with 500 MW dedicated to each. This first phase is under a 15-year contract with tech giant Amazon. Once the full 2,000 MW Bellefield project is finished, it will be the biggest solar-plus-storage installation in the country.
Andrés Gluski, CEO of AES, highlighted the importance of the Bellefield project in meeting the energy demands of data centers. AES has secured deals with major global hyperscalers, including Amazon and Meta, for over 10 gigawatts of clean power. Bellefield plays a significant role in fulfilling these commitments.
To streamline the construction process and enhance safety, AES utilized its AI-powered robotic system, Maximo, to assist in the installation of solar panels. This innovative approach allowed for faster and more precise installation.
Once the entire 2 GW project is operational, Bellefield is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 467,000 homes annually. It is projected to prevent over 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, contributing to improved air quality in the region.
The construction of Bellefield 1 created over 700 union jobs, and the upcoming completion of Bellefield 2 in 2026 is estimated to generate around 1,000 union jobs at its peak. AES anticipates starting to recognize revenue from Bellefield 1 later this year, in line with their schedule.
In a bid to encourage readers to consider solar with battery storage for resilience against power outages, the article suggests using EnergySage, a service that connects individuals with trusted and competitive solar installers. By going solar, homeowners can not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also potentially save on energy costs.
Overall, the completion of Bellefield marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector, showcasing the potential for large-scale solar and storage projects to meet the growing energy needs of the future.
