Oveja Ranch Solar Project
Overview
To help maintain grid reliability and provide our community with carbon-free energy that aligns with our 2030 Zero Carbon Plan, we’re proposing to construct and operate a photovoltaic (PV) solar power and battery storage facility in southern Sacramento County that would provide 75 megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable power to the grid.
The proposed project would support the growing demand for electricity from growth and development in southeastern Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
It would also add to our diverse clean energy portfolio, improve local air quality and deliver a reliable, long-term supply of economically viable solar energy and battery storage to our grid, while continuing existing agricultural activities.
Activities and location of work
The proposed site would be developed on up to 400 acres of land in southeastern Sacramento County, south of the City of Rancho Cordova and north of Wilton. In addition to a PV solar power and battery storage facility, the project would include a generation substation and interconnection lines to our grid. At the end of the project’s life (anticipated to be 30-35 years), the site would be decommissioned.
Timeline
Construction would start as early as Q3 of 2026 and commercial operation is targeted for 2028.
We’re committed to keeping the community informed about this project and will update this page with schedule information, construction impacts and progress updates.
What are the environmental considerations?
We’ve prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to solicit guidance from interested individuals and public agencies on the scope of the environmental information to be considered in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project. The EIR analyzes all potentially significant environmental impacts associated with the construction of the project.
In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements (Section 15082), SMUD has prepared this NOP to provide responsible agencies and other interested parties with information describing the proposed project and its potential environmental impacts.
Document availability: The NOP is available in the below link or at smud.org/CEQA. Printed copies may be viewed during normal business hours at these locations:
SMUD
Customer Service Center
6301 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
SMUD
East Campus Operations Center
4401 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Public review/comment period
A 30-day public review period for the NOP will begin on Sept. 5, 2024 and extend through Oct. 6, 2024 for interested individuals and public agencies to submit written comments on the document. Written comments on the NOP can be emailed to OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org or sent to:
Kim Crawford
SMUD Environmental Services
P.O. Box 15830 MS B209
Sacramento, CA 95852-1830
Public meeting
SMUD will hold a public meeting from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Sheldon High School, located at 8333 Kingsbridge Dr., Sacramento, CA 95829 to provide information and invite comments on the proposed project. The public scoping meeting is an opportunity for interested parties to provide input on the project, though no decisions will be made. Anyone wishing to make formal comments on the scope or content in the EIR should also do so in writing. Written comments can be submitted at the public meeting or by emailing OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org by Sept. 16.
Documents
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding this project, please email OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org.