Terra-Gen, one of the largest independent renewable energy producers in the United States, jointly owned by Masdar and Igneo Infrastructure Partners, has announced that its Lockhart CL I and II battery energy storage project in San Bernardino County, California, has officially reached commercial operations.
The 128.7 MW / 515 MWh lithium-ion battery system is designed to provide up to five hours of continuous electricity, capable of supplying power to over 128,000 households. The project demonstrates a major step forward in utility-scale energy storage and supports California’s ambitious clean energy and grid reliability goals.
Project Overview and Capacity
The Lockhart CL I & II complex is co-located with the existing Lockhart solar photovoltaic park, utilizing shared infrastructure to maximize efficiency.
- Lockhart CL I: 69 MW
- Lockhart CL II: 59.7 MW
- Battery enclosures: 164 lithium-ion units
- Grid connection: Existing gen-tie line to Southern California Edison’s Kramer Junction Substation
The resource adequacy capacity of the battery system is fully contracted under two long-term agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), ensuring stable integration into California’s power grid.
Executive Insights
“California’s clean energy goals are some of the most ambitious in the country, and I’m confident in the positive impact our new Lockhart facility will have in powering the state’s future with new, clean, and reliable energy resources,” said John O’Connor, CEO of Terra-Gen. “This milestone reinforces our mission to provide affordable energy at scale while strengthening the California grid and supporting climate change mitigation.”
Gus Luna, Chief Development Officer for Terra-Gen, added: “We designed this expansion to fit seamlessly with the existing facility and maximize the shared infrastructure. The Lockhart complex is a testament to our team’s ability to deliver integrated projects on time and to the highest performance and safety standards.”
Construction and Workforce Impact
Construction of the Lockhart CL I & II project created over 115 jobs at peak activity, with workers completing more than 85,000 hours during construction and the transition to commercial operations.
The facility’s design leverages existing infrastructure, minimizing additional costs while enabling high performance and reliability.
Strategic Significance
Lockhart CL I & II highlights the growing role of long-duration battery storage in integrating renewable energy into the grid. By storing electricity generated by the co-located 1 GW solar PV plant, the project reduces curtailment and optimizes the use of renewable energy.
The project also sets the stage for future expansions, including the recently announced Lockhart III & IV solar project, which has secured USD 383.3 million in funding commitments.
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