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California's Community Power Agency (CPA) has issued letters of support to thermal battery startups Photon Vault and Exowatt for energy storage projects in the CAISO region. Photon Vault's project in Kettleman City includes a 25MW solar facility paired with a 5MW/120MWh thermal energy storage system.

This system uses composite sand bricks to store solar energy as heat. The project aims for resource adequacy and renewable energy credits starting in Q2 2029. Exowatt's project in Calexico will provide 10MW/80MWh capacity using its P3 thermal battery system, which captures and stores solar energy. Both projects are set for 2029 operation, with CPA currently seeking further proposals until February next year.