PROJECT SUMMARY
In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the closing of a $72.8 million partial loan guarantee to finance the development of a solar-plus long-duration energy storage microgrid on the Tribal lands of the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians near Alpine, California. The Viejas Microgrid project will provide the Viejas Band with reliable utility-scale renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure through the installation of a 15 MW photovoltaic solar generation system and a 70 MWh battery long-duration energy storage system. The Viejas Band will purchase electricity through a subsidiary in a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) to help operate various commercial businesses including gaming, hospitality, and retail facilities. Excess generation produced by the project can be sold to the utility, providing additional power to the grid.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
This project is expected to create 250 construction jobs and eight permanent operations jobs. The project also includes an apprenticeship program and provides competitive wages for all workers on the project. Indian Energy has also engaged the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 47 and 569 and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Locals 4 and 500.
The Viejas Microgrid will reduce the energy costs of the Viejas Tribal community while providing more reliable and resilient power. The project will allow the Tribe to benefit from a lower cost of energy, allowing additional resources to be redirected toward investments by the Tribe in infrastructure maintenance, operation of the fire department, and other Tribal member services.
EMISSIONS BENEFITS
The solar-plus-storage microgrid will allow the Viejas Band to significantly reduce its reliance on utility-provided power, which is produced by a mix of energy resources that includes fossil fuels. The project is expected to prevent emissions equivalent to 9009 metric tons of CO2e annually.
PROJECT STATISTICS: Viejas Microgrid
| PROJECT SUMMARY | Owners | IE VEM Managing Member LLC |
| Locations | California (Tribal lands of the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians) | |
| FINANCIAL SUMMARY | Loan Program | Tribal Energy Financing |
| Loan Type | Loan Guarantee | |
| Guaranteed Loan Amount* | $72.8 Million | |
| Issuance Date | September 2024 | |
| ECONOMIC IMPACT | Permanent U.S. Jobs Supported | 8 |
| U.S. Construction Jobs Supported** | 250 | |
| PROJECT EMISSIONS BENEFIT | CO2 Emissions Saved Annually | 9,009 Tonnes |
| ENERGY GENERATION IMPACT | Electricity Generated Annually | 21,500 MWh |
* Last Updated September 2024. Approximate amount of the loan approved at closing including principal and any capitalized interest.
** Estimated at the time of closing
Project Photos
