Masdar Completes $950 Million Solar And Battery Storage Project In California

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) has announced the completion of its US$950 million Lockhart Solar and Storage complex in California, marking a significant milestone in its expanding renewable energy portfolio in the United States. The project has a combined capacity of 538.7 megawatts (MW), comprising 365 MW of solar generation and 173.7 MW of battery energy storage. It can meet the annual electricity requirements of approximately 350,000 American homes and businesses.

The Lockhart complex was developed by Terra-Gen, one of the largest independent and integrated renewable energy producers in the United States. Terra-Gen is jointly owned by Masdar and Igneo Infrastructure Partners. The project includes more than 925,000 solar modules and 248 battery enclosures, combining solar generation with energy storage to provide electricity when required.

The completion was celebrated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the project’s Hinkley facility in California. The event brought together company employees, local government officials, commercial lenders, project partners and customers to mark the achievement and recognize the contributions of the teams involved in delivering the project.

Khaleefa Almheiri, President and CEO of Masdar Americas, said the completion of Lockhart demonstrates the company’s ambitions in the US market and its commitment to supporting the country’s growing electricity requirements. He highlighted that combining Masdar’s international experience and investment capabilities with Terra-Gen’s local expertise would help deliver reliable and affordable electricity while creating skilled employment opportunities and supporting economic development.

He also noted that electricity demand in the United States is increasing due to the expansion of artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and broader economic activity. Masdar aims to contribute to meeting these requirements through investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

John O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Terra-Gen, said the project reflects the importance of partnerships and the contribution of employees involved in its development. He highlighted that solar energy is among the most economical sources of new electricity generation, while battery storage helps make renewable electricity available when demand is highest. The combination is expected to support California’s increasing electricity needs.

The construction and engineering activities generated more than 1,000 on-site jobs over four years, with approximately 880,000 working hours recorded during the development period. The project is also expected to deliver long-term economic benefits to the region. According to the company, the facility could generate more than US$40 million in property tax revenue over its operating life, alongside additional contributions to local communities.

The Lockhart facility has secured a combination of electricity offtake agreements with corporate buyers and long-term power purchase agreements with California load-serving entities. These arrangements provide a commercial framework for delivering electricity generated by the project.

Masdar has invested approximately US$3 billion in the United States and plans to invest an additional US$20 billion over the next decade. The company aims to expand its US renewable energy portfolio to up to 25 GW by 2030.

Through its partnership with Terra-Gen, Masdar is also supporting American employment, local manufacturing and supply chain development while contributing to the expansion of clean energy infrastructure. The completion of Lockhart further strengthens the company’s position in the US renewable energy market.