2026 New Build Carbon Free Energy & Storage Projects Request for Offers (RFO)

Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) seeks offers for new build carbon-free energy and storage projects to meet renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goals, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and reliability requirements. The procurement targets eligible resources including California Energy Commission (CEC) eligible RPS resources, hydroelectricity, nuclear power, and paired and/or standalone storage resources. Minimum contract term is ten (10) years with a maximum term of twenty (20) years.

SVCE has a strong preference for wind or clean firm resources (including geothermal, bioenergy with carbon capture, advanced nuclear reactors, linear generators, and clean internal combustion engine technologies) as well as alternative energy storage technologies beyond lithium-ion batteries. The agency welcomes offers of any size but particularly encourages offers of at most 75 MW (SVCE's share). Projects located within or interconnected to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) are preferred, including those in CAISO Queue Clusters up to and including Cluster 16. Expected commercial operation dates range from 2026 onwards.

Proposals must be submitted in completed form including Appendix A (Offer Form), Appendix B (Executive Summary), and latest CAISO or relevant interconnection documentation. Respondents must submit proposals by March 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Key evaluation criteria include value competitiveness, project viability (construction timeline, interconnection status, transmission needs, financing plan), portfolio fit with SVCE's goals, respondent experience, workforce and labor considerations including prevailing wage requirements and project labor agreement preferences, and anticipated Inflation Reduction Act benefits.

Following shortlist notification (targeted for April 2026), selected respondents must execute an exclusivity agreement and provide a cash deposit or letter of credit at $3 per kilowatt based on energy and/or storage capacity. Target contract execution is Q4 2026, with potential acceleration for projects with 2026 online dates. SVCE reserves the right to withdraw, suspend, cancel, or terminate the RFO at any time in its sole discretion.