At the end of April, the Rexford Solar-Plus-Storage facility, located near Ducor, California, held its grand opening ceremony, following the commencement of construction in August 2023 and the launch of operations in February. The AES Corporation developed and now owns and operates the project, which sits on 3,800 acres. With 300 MW of solar capacity and 240 MW of battery storage, this facility will generate enough clean power for 135,000 residences on an annual basis, making it “one of the largest solar plus storage energy complexes in California,” according to the Porterville Recorder.
“AES is committed to being a good neighbor and partner in Tulare County. We understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate,” the company displays on its website. Not only will the facility improve local air quality by avoiding 210,000 tons of carbon emissions per year – the same as if it had removed 44,000 gas-powered cars from the road – but its low-impact construction also ensures that the land can be restored at the end of the project’s life cycle.
The Clean Power Alliance, a nonprofit electricity provider in the state that gives communities the choice to opt in to clean power, will receive the electricity produced by this facility through a 15-year power purchase agreement. In 2024, the nonprofit saw more than 11,000 customers participate in its programs, resulting in the avoidance of over four billion pounds of carbon emissions. The company also hosts boot camps and training programs for individuals interested in industries such as construction, electric vehicle infrastructure deployment, microgrid maintenance, and other energy-focused careers. Additionally, 430 new jobs were created as a result of Clean Power Alliance’s contacts, and its prepay green bond program is expected to deliver $45 million in cost savings this year.
The Rexford project is likewise projected to benefit the local economy. The facility generated 400 jobs during the construction process, as well as longer-term operational positions. Additionally, it will provide long-term tax revenue for the county, including towards multiple local towns and school districts. Among AES’s partners on the project were the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, the Delano Chamber of Commerce, and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce.
The ribbon-cutting was attended by Aircia De Oliveira, president and CEO of Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, and U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA-22), in addition to multiple industry leaders, including:
- Amanda Smith, vice president for external affairs at AES
- Ted Bardacke, CEO of the Clean Power Alliance
- Michael Washam, associate director of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency
- Brian Thoburn, government relations manager for Southern California Edison
- Michelle Engel Silva, CEO of Proteus Inc.
Photo Courtesy The AES Corporation
Mike Vazzano, the site manager, took the attendees, clad in construction hats and reflective vests, on a tour of the facility before Rep. Valadao and Bardacke cut the ribbon on the project. Rep. Valadao reminisced that during the event, “We spoke about ways to grow Tulare County’s economy through incentivizing renewable energy production, modernizing the electric grid, and bolstering workforce development.”
Visalia-headquartered Proteus offers education services, job placement, and workforce training and development, with eight locations in Tulare County. Silva discussed the importance of companies communicating the benefits of projects like this one to address any local concerns.
The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation works to attract, support, and foster the growth of businesses in the region. Oliveira commented on the benefits for the Central Valley’s industry growth: “We’ve got the power, we’ve got the infrastructure, and we are going to be that much more competitive with our partners.”
Rep. Valadao, meanwhile, is a vital supporter of clean energy for the region. On his website, he explains, “I firmly believe we must increase our supply of safe, clean energy to provide power for our electrical grid. To achieve that, we need a diverse, ‘all of the above’ energy plan that includes nuclear and clean coal power plants as well as oil and natural gas exploration, wind, solar, and hydro energy. These proven technologies have minimal impact on the environment and create jobs right here in the United States. In the short term, we must reduce red tape and end frivolous litigation that blocks the development of America’s energy resources. Energy security is a major challenge that can be overcome by making use of American ingenuity, innovation, and natural resources.”
Photo Courtesy The AES Corporation
