Project Overview
IPX Power selected Mortenson as the full Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the Darden Solar + Storage project. Located in Fresno County within the picturesque San Joaquin Valley, the project will support the state’s progress toward 100% clean electricity and strengthen grid resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- 1,150 MWac or 1,500 MWdc of solar energy
- 4,600 megawatt-hours of energy storage
- 500 kV substation with eight main power transformers
- 15 miles of 500 kV transmission line
- Mortenson Engineering Services as Engineer of Record for substation, energy storage electrical, transmission line and 12 kV scopes
- 90+ miles of site access roads with 28 detention basins
- Produces enough energy to power 850,000 homes for four hours
- 1,200+ all-union construction jobs
- 15+ permanent construction jobs
- $36M local sales tax revenues from construction
- $38M state sales tax revenues from construction
- Estimated Completion Date
March 2028
- Delivery Method
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Engineer, Procure and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
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Project Output: 1,150 MWac at POI
Energy Storage: 4,600 MWh
Power Delivery: 500 kV Substation with Eight Main Power Transformers; 15 miles of 500 kV Transmission Line
The project will also strengthen the community through a focused procurement process. Mortenson is committed to investing upwards of $67 million toward local procurement, creating major opportunities for small businesses across the region. To help local business owners connect with these opportunities and continue to thrive, Mortenson, IPX and the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation launched a small business grant and technical assistance program.
Innovation in Action
Darden is the first project approved under California’s Opt-In Certification program, which provides a consolidated state permitting option for eligible clean energy projects. To complete the project in a timely fashion and meet the customer’s needs, Mortenson and IPX are working side-by-side as true collaborative partners, with open communication and aligned goals to stay on track.
The state-of-the-art clean energy facility is being built on approximately 9,500 acres of land that is no longer able to support agricultural production. When complete, it will feature more than 3 million solar panels.
Powered by People
Darden is a defining project for us, both in its scale and its significance. As one of the largest solar and battery storage installations in the U.S., it reflects what’s possible when strong partnerships and energy solutions come together. We’re proud to work alongside Mortenson to deliver a project that will power communities for years to come.
Building our Energy Future
The Darden Solar + Storage project is a truly transformative effort to meet clean energy goals, both today and in the future. Mortenson and IPX’s strong partnership provides a roadmap for future large-scale solar projects to follow, and the two companies remain committed to developing the energy solutions of tomorrow.
Darden Solar + Storage is expected to be completed by early 2028.