Community Newsletter – August 2026

Aug 18, 2026 | Community

Dear Willow Rock Community:

Thank you for your interest in receiving updates on the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center project in Eastern Kern County. We’re excited to launch this newsletter to keep you informed about our project milestones, community partnerships, and other opportunities to stay engaged with the Willow Rock team from construction through the long-term operation of the facility.

Initial Approvals Received; Pre-Construction Begins!

After roughly four years of planning and participation with the California Energy Commission, Kern County, community leaders and local stakeholders, Hydrostor is pleased to share that the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center received final permitting approval in December 2025. Now, after months of additional engineering work and preparation, the project has moved into the next phase of early site preparation work.

Our team is actively preparing the site for construction by removing debris, installing protective wildlife fencing, relocating over 100 Joshua Trees and setting up temporary facilities on site. In the coming weeks, work will expand to include improvements to Dawn Road, site grading, and other preliminary site work that will support future construction activities.

By September, we expect to mobilize our subsurface contractor with works on the air shaft to begin in 2027. The cavern is the critical path for the project so getting this work started is an important step in the development of WRESC.

Seeking Suppliers

We are truly grateful for the collaboration and engagement between Hydrostor and our host communities in Kern County. The local support voiced by countless Kern County businesses and residents was instrumental in helping the project secure the unanimous approval of the California Energy Commission last December.

To further advance our local partnerships, Hydrostor conducted two Supplier Open House events in June that allowed the Willow Rock team to connect with hundreds of local contractors and suppliers, helping build a strong network of regional partners to support the project throughout construction. We are excited to see the high level of local interest in our project and look forward to expanding these relationships well into the future.

Below is a summary of recent and upcoming events where Hydrostor is participating and sharing more information on the progress of our Willow Rock Energy Storage Center.

As work progresses, community members may notice increased activity and equipment on the project site. We’ll continue to provide regular updates on project milestones and what to expect as the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center begins its long-duration future in Kern County.

Sincerely,

Curt Hildebrand
Senior Vice President, Commercial Affairs

Have a question? Contact:

Common Sense Consulting
Phone: +1 661-873-4727

Willow Rock Community Office: 122 S Green St Ste 5, Tehachapi, CA 93561

Community Corner

August 8

Safe Haven Kids League Annual Backpack Giveaway

Safe Haven Kids League is at the heart of Hydrostor’s community work. This small nonprofit makes a big impact, supporting local families through various initiatives such as food and resource giveaways. Their annual backpack giveaway event supports East Kern families as they prepare for the school year.

If you weren't able to make the backpack giveaway, feel free to support them here.

August 8

12th Annual Cheers to Charity

Cheers to Charity is a non-profit organization established to raise and distribute funds to small, diverse non-profit organizations in Tehachapi and surrounding communities. Hydrostor was proud to support this annual “party with a purpose” by sponsoring the coffee bar. All funds raised at this event go directly to the nonprofit recipients.

If you weren’t able to make the annual event, feel free to support them here.

October 2-4

91st Annual Mojave Gold Rush Days

This year Mojave is celebrating a remarkable milestone — 150 years since its founding in 1876, when the Southern Pacific Railroad established the community as a vital connection point to the Tehachapi Mountains and beyond. This anniversary is an opportunity to honor the history and people who continue to shape Mojave’s story. Hydrostor is proud to be an annual supporter of this historic event, hosted by the Mojave Chamber of Commerce.

November 18 

20th Annual Kern County Energy Summit

The Kern Energy Summit is an annual conference organized by the Kern Economic Development Corporation, celebrating Kern County’s position as a U.S. energy leader. Hydrostor is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor for this event.