EDF and Masdar Secure Long-Term Agreements for California’s BigBeau Solar and Storage Project
EDF power solutions North America and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar have strengthened their presence in the U.S. renewable energy market through the execution of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the BigBeau Solar+Storage Project in California. The agreements cover the full output of the project’s 128-megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar generation facility as well as its integrated 40 MW/160 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to delivering reliable clean energy to one of the nation’s largest electricity markets.
The 15-year agreements mark a significant milestone for the jointly owned project, which is located in Kern County, California. BigBeau has been operating since December 2022 and has become an important contributor to California’s renewable energy portfolio. Under the newly established contracts, the facility officially began supplying electricity to Southern California Edison (SCE) on February 1, 2026, supporting the utility’s efforts to expand clean energy procurement and maintain grid reliability amid rising electricity demand.
The agreements highlight the growing importance of combining solar generation with battery storage technologies. As California continues its transition toward a cleaner energy system, energy storage is playing an increasingly critical role in ensuring that renewable power can be delivered when customers need it most. By pairing a large-scale solar installation with a substantial battery storage system, the BigBeau project is capable of providing electricity beyond daylight hours, helping balance fluctuations in renewable generation and supporting overall grid stability.
For Masdar, the agreement represents another step forward in the company’s strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint across North America. Since entering the U.S. market in 2019, the company has steadily increased its investments in utility-scale clean energy projects and established partnerships with leading developers and utilities.
Dustin Priemer, Director of Asset Management for Masdar Americas, emphasized the significance of the agreement within the company’s broader U.S. growth strategy. According to Priemer, the new contracts contribute to Masdar’s expanding portfolio of renewable energy assets in the country and align with its objective of scaling reliable utility-scale clean power generation. He noted that the company values its growing relationship with Southern California Edison and shares the utility’s commitment to investing in new generating capacity that can help address increasing energy demand throughout California.
California remains one of the most important renewable energy markets in the United States. The state has adopted ambitious decarbonization goals and continues to invest heavily in renewable generation, transmission infrastructure, and energy storage solutions. As population growth, electrification, and economic activity continue to increase electricity consumption, projects such as BigBeau are expected to play an essential role in meeting future demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
EDF power solutions North America also highlighted the importance of the agreements and the role BigBeau will play in advancing clean energy objectives. Jacqueline de Fresart, Associate Director of Origination and Power Marketing at EDF power solutions North America, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Southern California Edison’s renewable energy goals through the operation of the BigBeau facility.
She noted that EDF is pleased to provide reliable and efficient renewable electricity from the project and welcomed the opportunity to continue collaborating with SCE. The agreement further strengthens an ongoing relationship between the renewable energy developer and the utility, potentially creating opportunities for additional clean energy projects in the future.
The BigBeau Solar+Storage Project represents more than just a single renewable energy installation. It is part of a larger strategic partnership between Masdar and EDF power solutions North America aimed at accelerating clean energy deployment across the United States. The two companies previously agreed to jointly develop seven renewable energy projects with a combined generating capacity of approximately 1.1 gigawatts (GW).
This portfolio demonstrates the growing trend of international collaboration in renewable energy development. By combining EDF’s extensive experience in renewable project development and operations with Masdar’s investment capabilities and global clean energy expertise, the partnership is helping advance utility-scale renewable infrastructure in key U.S. markets.
EDF power solutions North America has established itself as one of the continent’s leading renewable energy developers. With more than three decades of industry experience, the company has played a major role in expanding wind, solar, and energy storage capacity across North America. Over the course of its history, EDF has developed approximately 26 GW of renewable energy and storage projects, positioning itself as a significant contributor to the energy transition.
The company’s capabilities extend beyond traditional renewable generation. EDF power solutions provides integrated energy solutions that range from utility-scale renewable power facilities to distributed energy resources and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These services are designed to help customers meet carbon-reduction objectives while improving energy efficiency and sustainability.
As businesses, utilities, and governments pursue aggressive emissions reduction targets, developers such as EDF are increasingly focusing on comprehensive energy solutions that combine generation, storage, and grid services. The BigBeau project exemplifies this integrated approach by pairing renewable energy production with battery storage to maximize system value and reliability.
Masdar, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its role as a major global clean energy investor and developer. The company has built a diverse international portfolio spanning renewable power generation, energy storage, and emerging clean energy technologies. Its activities in the United States form a key component of its long-term global growth strategy.
Since establishing operations in the U.S. market, Masdar has invested several billion dollars in renewable energy assets and development opportunities. The company has identified the United States as a strategic market due to its strong demand for renewable energy, supportive policy environment, and expanding need for reliable clean power infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Masdar plans to significantly expand its American renewable energy portfolio. The company has set an ambitious target of developing up to 25 GW of renewable energy capacity in the United States over the next decade. Achieving this goal would further establish Masdar as a major participant in the country’s evolving energy landscape and contribute substantially to national decarbonization efforts.
The BigBeau agreements demonstrate how long-term partnerships between renewable energy developers, investors, and utilities are helping accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure. By securing stable revenue streams through long-term PPAs, projects such as BigBeau can provide dependable renewable electricity while supporting investment in additional renewable generation and storage assets.
As California and other states continue pursuing ambitious clean energy targets, solar-plus-storage projects are expected to become increasingly important components of the electric grid. The successful operation of BigBeau and the newly signed agreements with Southern California Edison underscore the growing role of integrated renewable energy solutions in delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable power for the future.
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