#USA #California #Ares Management #Middle River Power #Panoche Energy Center

Middle River Power Enhances Capacity with Panoche Acquisition

In a significant move to bolster its energy generation capabilities, Middle River Power (MRP) has officially finalized the acquisition of the Panoche Energy Center. This facility, which boasts a full capacity of 427 megawatts, is situated in Firebaugh, California, and was acquired from an Ares Infrastructure Equity fund.

As the demand for dispatchable energy resources intensifies across the Western Interconnection, MRP's acquisition of Panoche serves to strengthen its already growing portfolio of flexible and renewable generation assets. Earlier this year, MRP added the 240 MW Midway-Sunset and the 250 MW Brush facilities, underscoring its commitment to enhancing reliable energy supply in the region.

Mark Kubow, the Chief Executive Officer of Middle River Power, stated, "We continue to expand our collection of flexible, reliable, and clean generation assets with the acquisition of Panoche. This fully contracted facility extends our presence in the western region, following our earlier additions in Kern County and Morgan County this year. Our aim is to implement our hybridization strategy at Panoche, integrating efficient thermal capacity with storage solutions."

This strategic approach is designed to meet the increasing energy demands of various sectors, including utilities and data centers, while ensuring that operational reliability and cost-efficiency are maintained. As energy transition and sustainability become paramount in today's energy landscape, MRP's focus on hybrid resources positions it favorably to address these challenges.

Keith Derman, head of Ares Infrastructure Equity, expressed pride in having supported Panoche throughout its 20-year developmental journey. He noted, "We facilitated smooth transitions and are excited for the future of the Panoche Energy Center under MRP's management. We believe Panoche will continue delivering reliable and flexible capacity, vital for the California grid."

About Middle River Power

Middle River Power is recognized as an independent power producer and asset management entity, committed to finding innovative solutions to expedite the energy transition. The company's approach fuses cutting-edge technologies and underutilized legacy generation assets to provide cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective power at a pace that standalone developments cannot achieve. By repositioning existing critical resources with innovative projects, MRP aims to offer cleaner and reliable energy to its customers and local communities. In 2025, MRP came under the umbrella of Partners Group, a preeminent firm in the global private markets, working on behalf of its clients.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation is a leading global alternative investment manager, providing clients with primary and secondary investment solutions across various asset classes including credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The company strives to support the long-term goals of its stakeholders by offering flexible capital that empowers businesses and creates value. The Ares Management platform oversees over $671 billion in assets globally, operating across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.

In conclusion, the acquisition of the Panoche Energy Center marks a noteworthy expansion in Middle River Power's efforts to reinforce clean, reliable energy delivery. As the company continues to grow its footprint, it remains poised to meet the challenges of an evolving energy sector while benefiting its customers across California and beyond.