SOLAR + STORAGE IN CALIFORNIA

Bellefield solar + storage

under construction

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

Rows of solar panels in a desert landscape with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

A gray lightning bolt inside a circular gradient ring transitioning from purple to green.

1 GW solar + up to 1 GW battery energy storage

Illustration of a gray house with a blue pipe extending downward, connected to a multicolored horizontal line representing utilities.

Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 467,000 homes annually

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.

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 Bellfield 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.

Learn more about Maximo

Watch video

Project photos

Aerial view of a large solar farm in a desert landscape. Rows of solar panels stretch across the sandy terrain. Mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

A construction site in a desert landscape with a large crane lifting a white rectangular structure. Rows of similar structures are aligned on the ground. Heavy machinery and workers are visible, with mountains in the distant background under a clear blue sky.

Aerial view of a construction site in a desert landscape with rows of white rectangular units, possibly battery storage, arranged in a grid pattern. A crane is positioned centrally, with various construction vehicles and equipment scattered around. Mountains are visible in the distant background under a clear blue sky.

Aerial view of a large construction site in a desert landscape. Rows of white rectangular structures are neatly arranged in the foreground. Construction vehicles and equipment are scattered throughout the site. In the background, there are solar panels and mountains under a clear blue sky.

Three workers in safety vests and helmets install solar panels on a metal structure in an open field. The workers are using tools to secure the panels, with one worker kneeling and two standing. The sky is clear and blue, and rows of solar panels extend into the distance.

A large field of solar panels arranged in parallel rows, stretching into the distance. The panels are set on a dry, grassy terrain, with mountains visible on the horizon under a cloudy sky.

Clean energy benefits

local communities

Gray heart with a colorful gradient ring encircling it.

Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts

Gray spherical robot with a colorful horizontal stripe across the middle.

Job creation during construction and operation

Local economic stimulus during construction

Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions

Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

Expected project timeline

A vast solar panel farm under a clear blue sky, with rows of solar panels stretching into the distance. Two workers in yellow vests stand near equipment on a dirt path in the foreground. Mountains are visible on the horizon.

2023 - 2025

Project Preparation

Phase 1 Construction

Aerial view of a large solar farm in a desert landscape. Numerous rows of solar panels are arranged in parallel lines across the sandy terrain. Several vehicles and construction equipment are visible near the center of the image. Mountains are seen in the distance under a clear blue sky.

2024 - 2026

In Development

Phase 2 Construction

A large array of solar panels installed in a desert landscape with a backdrop of distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

2027

Operational

Operations

A large crane is lifting a white container in a construction site with several similar containers arranged in rows. The site is in a desert area with mountains in the background. Construction vehicles and workers are visible on the dirt ground.

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.

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 agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.

AES is a proud member and partner of:

Virginia Chamber of Commerce
SHINE/SVCC (Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence)
KidWind Challenge, Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy, James Madison University
University of Richmond
Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
Virginia Association of Counties
Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance
Virginia Community College System
Virginia Tech

Environmental and technical studies

We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Wetland Desktop Evaluation
Wetland Delineation
Threatened & Endangered Species Desktop Assessment
Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessment
Phase I Cultural Resource Survey
Topography Survey
Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study

AES is a proud member and partner of:

Contact us

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

castakeholderrelations@aes.com

1-800-396-8481