Developers of a battery and solar energy project in rural Fresno County say it will be safely operated and provide benefits to local schools and communities.

Some residents say the fast-tracked project has left their concerns as an afterthought, and given communities little leverage to reduce potential impacts.

CANTUA CREEK, Calif. — The fallowed farmland — too dry, salty and barren to grow crops — stretches across a remote, sunbaked expanse crisscrossed by rutted dirt roads.

Soon, roughly 15 square miles of these retired agricultural fields in western Fresno County will hold one of the world’s largest solar and battery energy storage projects — a behemoth capable of powering some 850,000 homes for four hours.

The Darden Clean Energy Project, approved by the California Energy Commiss

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