The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is planning to repurpose water-starved farmland into a massive solar-and-battery network through the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, aiming to add 21 gigawatts of solar and battery capacity across 136,000 acres. This project, the largest of its kind globally, will help address the water crisis, lower energy costs for farmers, and comply with new state groundwater limits. By selling solar power through the California grid, the district hopes to reduce energy costs for farmers and keep farming viable, while also providing clean electricity to the state. This innovative solution not only helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions but also mitigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the region.
Tag: San Joaquin Valley
-
California water district plans up to 21 GW of solar on fallowed farmland
The Westlands Water District in California has adopted the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan to develop up to 21 GW of solar generation on fallowed agricultural land in response to water shortages in the San Joaquin Valley. California law AB 2661 allows the district to repurpose the land for solar, storage, and transmission facilities, aiming to preserve agriculture viability and create economic opportunities for farmworkers. Stakeholder collaboration will be key in advancing project planning and implementation steps for this initiative, which seeks to address water scarcity while promoting sustainable solutions for the region's agricultural sector.
-
21 Gigawatts of Solar for California Land That Can No Longer Be Used for Agriculture
The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is repurposing fallowed land for solar power plants, potentially generating 21 gigawatts of solar energy. California law AB 2661 authorizes the water district to develop solar generation, battery storage, and transmission facilities, with a community benefits plan in place. This initiative aims to address the region's issues with drought, limited water supply, and agricultural needs, providing a practical approach to preserving agriculture while utilizing dry, empty land for renewable energy production.