New Cal Poly-REACH partnership positions region as hub for energy advancement, workforce development, and economic growth
A new chapter in clean energy is powering up for California’s Central Coast. Cal Poly and REACH are launching a Central Coast Clean Energy Innovation Initiative, a strategic, public-private partnership backed by $5 million in state funding to advance breakthrough energy technologies, build on Diablo Canyon, and create high-quality jobs..
The initiative positions the Central Coast as a durable center of California’s clean energy future and growth, building connective tissue between the region’s extraordinary assets and the potential that lies ahead.
“This isn’t about one facility or one decision. It’s about building a comprehensive energy ecosystem that positions the Central Coast to lead for decades to come.”
– Cal Poly President Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong
The launch follows broad community alignment and support for Cal Poly’s leadership in stewarding this next chapter, as outlined in a 2022 open letter signed by government and community partners across the region.
Why Now
The appetite for reliable, clean power has never been higher. Clean energy investment globally topped $2.3 trillion last year, outpacing fossil fuel investment for the third year in a row. Demand is accelerating rapidly due to AI and electrification of everything from cars to stovetops. Between 2023 and 2024, the increase in demand for electricity was the largest ever on record (outside of recession and pandemic rebounds).
Here on the Central Coast, we’re home to breakthrough companies working on fusion, advanced marine technologies, and climate solutions. Cal Poly’s research capacity continues to grow. And our workforce knows how to build, operate, and maintain complex energy systems safely—skills that become increasingly valuable as the energy transition ramps up.
“REACH is bringing a unique perspective to this conversation—one grounded in regional priorities and economic opportunity. We’re focused on ensuring the Central Coast captures the full potential of what’s ahead.”
– Josh Boswell, REACH VP of Strategy and Policy
What the Initiative Will Do
Cal Poly brings nationally recognized engineering, applied research, and workforce development capabilities, along with deep industry partnerships and a “learn by doing” model that accelerates talent into the workforce. REACH will provide regional economic development leadership and coordination across stakeholders to align public, private, and philanthropic partners in support of the initiative.
Together, they uniquely combine technical expertise with regional implementation capacity to accelerate clean energy advancement and economic opportunities through:
Diablo Canyon: A Critical Asset
Diablo Canyon plays a central role in this vision. As California’s last operating nuclear plant and largest single source of carbon-free electricity, it generates power for 9 percent of California and supports 1,200 high-quality jobs. The facility’s 585-acre industrial site, skilled workforce, and transmission infrastructure create opportunities for advancing next-generation energy technologies while maintaining grid reliability.
But Diablo is just one piece of a larger ecosystem that also encompasses fusion startups, coastal research opportunities, workforce development partnerships, and the broader network of breakthroughs that will power California’s clean energy future.
Years in the Making
REACH’s work in energy has deep roots. When PG&E announced Diablo’s planned 2025 closure in 2016, it sparked the launch of our organization in 2019. REACH then spearheaded a broad coalition spanning business, government, nonprofit, and tribal representatives to formalize an MOU partnership in 2021. By 2022, REACH worked with 18 signatories to write an open letter advocating for a Cleantech Innovation Park at Diablo, led by Cal Poly.
Later that year, Gov. Newsom signed SB 846, extending Diablo’s operations and dedicating $160 million to economic development and land conservation, endorsing a vision of the Central Coast as a place where progress and conservation flourish.
This $5 million award represents the culmination of strategic planning across business, government, education, and community sectors, and a major investment in REACH’s goal to Fuel Climate + Energy Innovation identified as a key driver of regional growth and a central pillar of the REACH 2030 + Beyond roadmap.
With the assets, talent and track record to lead California’s energy transition, the Central Coast is now turning that vision into reality.
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