Upcoming Request for Expressions of Interest for Clean Energy Delivery Program- RFEI 25-03

Request for Expressions of Interest Information

As the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) advances toward initial service between Merced and Bakersfield, clean energy integration has become a central driver of system performance, reliability, cost control, and long-term environmental benefit. The Authority is specifically seeking to refine its delivery strategy for clean energy and energy storage systems, including to support the development of behind the meter clean energy assets to support its traction power systems. The Authority intends to do this through consultation with the industry.

The purpose of this Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) is to engage with, and request Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from, qualified entities (Respondents) with expertise in clean energy generation, energy storage, grid integration, and related infrastructure delivery.

The Authority is primarily seeking feedback across four broad areas:

1. organizational experience and market readiness, including regulatory, permitting, and supply chain capabilities;
2. commercial and delivery approaches, such as contracting models, partnership structures, and risk allocation frameworks;
3. technical and technology considerations, including system configurations, clean generation, energy storage, and integration with the high-speed rail traction power system; and
4. financial and risk perspectives, focusing on funding feasibility, financing mechanisms, and key risk mitigation strategies.

The Authority also welcomes additional feedback from industry participants on innovative technologies, delivery models or approaches that could further advance cost efficiency, schedule acceleration, and system resilience.

The issuance of this RFEI does not commence a procurement process and does not obligate the Authority to initiate a procurement or award a contract.

EOIs received from Respondents will not be scored.

The RFEI is anticipated to be released in early January.

Questions in advance of the RFEI release should be submitted to Emily Morrison at CleanEnergy@hsr.ca.gov.

Authority’s Small Business Program

Visit the Authority’s Small Business Program webpage for information, including a program overview, certifications we recognize, how to get certified, access to our vendor registry, and more.

Conflict of Interest

If you have questions about potential organizational conflicts of interest, please review the Authority’s Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy at the following  link and submit queries and/or a request for an Organizational Conflict of Interest determination to the Authority’s Chief Counsel at legal@hsr.ca.gov, expressly referencing the CDA RFQ.