Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has announced that its Antelope Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 126-megawatt (MW) / 504 megawatt-hour (MWh) stand-alone battery facility, is now fully operational in Kern County, California. This project marks a significant achievement in LRE’s energy storage strategy as it is the company’s first grid-connected, stand-alone battery project and its seventh clean energy project to come online in California.

The Antelope Valley BESS uses four-hour Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by Powin. It is designed to support California’s electric grid by storing energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times. This function helps improve grid reliability, reduces reliance on carbon-heavy power generation, and increases overall energy flexibility in the region.

During the construction phase, the project created around 90 jobs and is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to Kern County. This includes local tax revenues, with property taxes estimated to reach $30 million over the project’s lifespan, along with community investments. As LRE’s seventh operating facility in California, Antelope Valley BESS contributes to a growing clean energy portfolio that currently generates enough electricity to power over 28,000 homes each year while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30,228 metric tons annually.

Sam Mangrum, EVP Project Execution at LRE, stated, “Bringing the Antelope Valley BESS facility online is a major milestone for LRE and reflects our commitment to accelerating energy innovation in California. As our first stand-alone battery project, it expands our capabilities to deliver dispatchable power when and where it is needed most. We are proud to support the broader energy market as California transitions to a cleaner, more resilient grid that can meet growing demand. Our mission goes beyond clean energy, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we operate. Antelope Valley BESS not only strengthens California’s grid but also supports economic growth and resilience in Kern County.”

LRE also remains committed to supporting local communities. The company has made donations to initiatives such as the Rosamond Hills Senior Apartments, which offers housing for low-income seniors, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, a charitable group focused on community service. Beyond California, LRE continues to expand its national portfolio of utility-scale wind, solar, and battery storage projects, with over 4 gigawatts of capacity currently in operation across the country.