Caballero Battery Energy Storage System Achieves Full Commercial Operation in Nipomo, California
Introduction
On June 24, 2025, Fengate Asset Management (Fengate) and Alpha Omega Power (AOP) announced the full commercial operation of the 100-megawatt (MW)/400-megawatt-hour (MWh) Caballero Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility located in Nipomo, California. This project marks a significant advancement in sustainable energy infrastructure within San Luis Obispo County.
Project Overview and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
Caballero BESS is the first facility of its kind in the region, designed to provide reliable, clean energy to the Central Coast of California. It supports the following SDGs:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The facility delivers enough clean energy to power over 100,000 homes for up to four hours daily.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Utilizes top-tier technology ensuring world-class safety and durability.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The project contributed to local economic growth by employing 100% union labor during construction.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Supports the integration of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Statements from Leadership
- Greg Calhoun, Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments at Fengate: Highlighted the environmental and community benefits of the project and Fengate’s commitment to funding AOP’s growth to enhance grid resilience across the United States.
- Paul Choi, Founder and CEO of AOP: Emphasized AOP’s mission to deliver best-in-class energy storage solutions and solidify its position as a leading Independent Power Producer in the BESS sector.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Caballero BESS underwent rigorous testing and training in collaboration with Cal Fire, San Luis Obispo City, and County Fire departments. The project complies with or exceeds all relevant safety standards, including:
- California Fire Codes
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standards for energy storage
Investment and Financing
This project represents the first investment by the Fengate and AOP partnership, established in 2023. Fengate manages the investment on behalf of the Fengate Infrastructure Fund IV and affiliated entities, including the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada.
Financing was secured from:
- MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG)
- U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank specializing in renewable energy financing
Both financiers emphasized their commitment to supporting the transition to clean energy and enhancing grid reliability, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Company Profiles
Fengate Asset Management
- Leading alternative investment manager with over $7 billion in capital commitments.
- Focuses on infrastructure, private equity, and real estate strategies.
- Invests in mid-market greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets across transportation, social, energy transition, and digital sectors.
- Operates a portfolio of more than 50 assets in North America.
- Website: www.fengate.com
Alpha Omega Power (AOP)
- Innovator in utility-scale battery storage solutions.
- Enhances grid reliability and supports renewable energy integration for a sustainable energy future.
- Develops, acquires, builds, and operates BESS assets across the United States.
- Holds a portfolio exceeding 2GW of BESS projects in key markets.
- Partners with leading Load Serving Entities to deliver “Reliability, Stored.”
Media Contact
Maddison Sharples
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Fengate Asset Management
Phone: +1 416-254-3326
Email: Maddison.Sharples@fengate.com
Additional Resources
A photo accompanying this announcement is available here.
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- The article discusses the Caballero Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility providing reliable, clean energy to power over 100,000 homes, directly contributing to clean energy access.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- The project used 100% union labor during construction, contributing to local job creation and economic growth.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- The development of a state-of-the-art energy storage facility represents innovation and infrastructure development.
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- The facility supports the integration of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to climate change mitigation.
2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
- Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress
- SDG 7 Indicators
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption – implied by the facility providing clean energy to 100,000 homes.
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP – implied through the use of efficient battery storage technology.
- SDG 8 Indicators
- Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities – implied by job creation through union labor.
- Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries – implied by adherence to safety standards (California Fire Codes, NFPA 855).
- SDG 9 Indicators
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added – implied by the use of clean energy infrastructure reducing emissions.
- SDG 13 Indicators
- Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year – implied by the project’s contribution to renewable energy integration and emissions reduction.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy |
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth |
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure |
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SDG 13: Climate Action |
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Source: globenewswire.com