A significant renewable energy project has been approved south of Los Banos, marking another step in California’s effort to modernize its power grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Zeta Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project received unanimous approval from the Merced County Planning Commission on February 26, 2025.
The project includes a 75-megawatt (MW) solar power facility paired with 75 MW of battery storage capacity that can operate for up to eight hours. Spanning approximately 622 acres, the development site is located about nine miles south of Los Banos and will connect to PG&E’s Mercy Springs Substation via a 1,700-foot-long generation-tie line.
Community Concerns and Environmental Review
While the project aims to bolster grid reliability and support California’s clean energy goals, it has drawn criticism from some local residents. Concerns have centered on fire safety, public health risks, and the county’s notification process. Opponents pointed to a recent fire at a much larger battery facility in Monterey County as a cautionary example.
In response, Longroad Energy emphasized that the Zeta project is significantly smaller than the Moss Landing facility—about 17 times smaller—and incorporates newer technology along with modern safety protocols.
An extensive Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released for public review from October 4 to November 18, 2024. Following that process, the project’s environmental review and conditional use permit were unanimously approved by the Planning Commission, despite some resident opposition.
Project Timeline and Broader Impact
The Zeta project is scheduled to be operational in summer 2027. It is part of a broader shift across the state to develop infrastructure that can store and distribute renewable energy more efficiently, helping California adapt to the growing demands and disruptions caused by climate change.
This initiative aligns with California’s ambitious clean energy goals, aiming to enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the integration of solar and wind power into the state’s energy mix.
