SOLAR + STORAGE IN CALIFORNIA

Bellefield solar + storage

under construction

AES’ Bellefield project is a solar + storage facility in Kern County, California. The project represents a significant step in accelerating California's commitment to achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.

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1 GW solar + 1 GW battery energy storage
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Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 467,000 homes annually 
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Located in California City and Mojave, Kern County

Our clean energy commitment

AES’ Bellefield solar + storage project is a planned facility in California. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

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Economic and environmental benefits

 We are committed to responsible, low-carbon energy development that creates long-term value and benefits for the environment and local communities. 

$ millions in tax revenue

to be provided to the community and county over the life of the project.

1,000 union jobs

Expected to be created during peak construction, while supporting indirect employment and businesses in the area.

Project details

 

The Bellefield solar + storage project serves as a model for future projects across California, demonstrating how such projects can integrate seamlessly into the local economy while providing affordable clean energy. In addition to powering homes and businesses, the Bellefield project will also help strengthen the energy grid and ensure a sustainable, reliable energy supply during peak demand periods. 

  • Built in two two phases, each phase will include 500 MW of solar plus 500 MW of four-hour duration battery energy storage

  • 14-mile transmission line will connect the project to the Southern California Edison (SCE) Windhub Substation

  • Located on about 8,300 acres of privately owned land

  • AES will serve as the long-term owner and operator of the facility

  • Maximo solar robot will  be used for autonomous solar module installation

 

Accelerating solar installation through innovation

To accelerate Bellefield's construction and ensure system reliability, Maximo, an AI-enabled robotic system developed by AES is assisting construction crews, improving the safety, speed, and accuracy of solar module installation.

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Clean energy benefits

local communities 

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Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts

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Job creation during construction and operation

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Local economic stimulus during construction

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Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions

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Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

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Sustainability Resources

Sustainability best practices

At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.

Environmental and technical studies

The project was evaluated for environmental impacts in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act. The project will adhere to all requirements and mitigation measures outlined in the permits for the project. 

Local partnerships

At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state and local agencies, higher education, elected officials, businesses and other key stakeholders to understand how we can work together to support sustainable social and economic development through clean energy development that improves lives and builds stronger communities. AES is proud to be a partner to many community organizations in the region, including:  

  • Kern Economic Development Corporation
  • California City Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council
  • Mojave Chamber of Commerce
  • Safe Haven Kid's League
  • Community Action Partnership of Kern/East Kern Family Resource Center
  • Desert Rose Garden Club of Cal City
  • REACH Kern County
  • Kern County Superintendent of Schools
  • Kern Community College District/California Renewable Energy Laboratory

 

AES is a proud member and partner of:

Logo of Kern Economic Development Corporation with the text 'KERN EDC' in bold, followed by 'Economic Development Corporation' underneath.
Logo of California City Chamber of Commerce with a spiral design on the left and the text 'California City Chamber of Commerce' on the right.
Logo of the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council, featuring the acronym GTEDC with a rising arrow above it.
Logo of Mojave Air and Space Port, featuring the word 'MOJAVE' in stylized letters with an arrow extending from the letter 'E'. Behind the text is a circular design with stars, and an oval orbit encircles the logo.

Contact us

 

We appreciate your interest in AES’ Bellefield solar + storage project. Please contact us using the information below.