ABOUT THE PROJECT
Cereza Energy Center is a utility-scale solar and battery storage project under development at Hanford in Benton County, Washington. The project would generate up to 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power paired with 2,000 MW of battery storage.
The project is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, on federal land managed by the Department of Energy's Hanford Field Office.
Cereza is in early-stage development. Initial environmental and cultural site assessments have been completed, and preparations are being made to conduct geotechnical investigations. The project is on track for NEPA review in 2027. Each stage of project development is closely coordinated with the Department of Energy and the Hanford Field Office to ensure radiological safety and compliance with federal requirements.
The project team is committed to sharing information as development progresses and continuing conversations with interested residents in the Columbia Basin.
Location of the Project
Hanford Nuclear Site, Benton County, Washington, in a portion of the site designated for industrial use.
Size & Acres Utilized
Proposed 2,000 MW utility-scale solar power project with 2,000 MW of battery storage on approximately ~8,000 acres.
Transmission Connection
Planned interconnection to the Bonneville Power Administration's Ashe Subststation.
SITE PLAN
The project site is located on the southern portion of the Hanford Site, near the 400 Area, a section designated for industrial use under the Hanford Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The current study area is larger than what would be developed as the final project footprint. As cultural, environmental, and engineering studies are completed, the project layout will be refined and areas removed from the layout.
The Hanford Site is a secure federal facility. The project area is not open to public access, and site work is conducted under Department of Energy safety and access requirements.
BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
Cereza Energy Center represents one of the largest proposed additions of new energy generation and storage capacity in the Pacific Northwest. By interconnecting at BPA's Ashe Substation, Cereza would add significant new generation and storage capacity to the regional grid, supporting local utilities, businesses, and Columbia Basin communities. The project would also help provide the reliable power needed for future industrial growth at Hanford, creating opportunities for new investment, employers, and job creation.
For utility customers, pairing solar with battery storage means power can be delivered when demand is highest, supporting reliability across the Northwest as regional electricity demand grows.
During construction, Cereza would create jobs and local hiring opportunities for contractors, trades, and service providers in the Mid-Columbia Basin. The project is also expected to provide permanent, family-wage jobs once operations begin.
While Cereza Energy Center will be located on federal land, it will be at no cost to taxpayers. The project will represent over $3 billion in investment in the local economy, resulting in significant economic stimulus.
PROJECT NEWS & DOCUMENTS
April 2026
DOE issued a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Screening Form determination authorizing Phase One, Part Two site characterization and environmental monitoring activities to support the design, construction, and operation of the proposed Cereza Energy Center. Read more.
August 2025
Department of Energy issues NEPA Review Screening Form determination for Phase I environmental site assessment. Read more.
July 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative at the Hanford Site. Read more.