VIEJAS MICROGRID

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. 

ECONOMIC IMPACT 

This project is expected to create 250 construction jobs and eight permanent operations jobs, including prioritizing Tribal-, minority-, and veteran-owned contractors—reinforcing President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to deliver new high-quality job opportunities and help workers benefit from the nation’s growing clean energy economy. 

CLIMATE BENEFIT 

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. Additionally, excess generation produced by the microgrid can be sold to the utility, providing additional renewable resources to the grid. 

COMMUNITY BENEFIT 

Indian Energy’s subcontractors have a workforce of 187 people from a minority background across the various phases of the project, representing approximately 75% of the total project design and construction team. The project includes an apprenticeship program and prevailing wage requirements 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 also reduce exposure to fossil fuel pollution for the Viejas Band and surrounding communities. 

PROJECT STATISTICS: Viejas Microgrid 

 * Last Updated September 2024. Approximate amount of the loan approved at closing including principal and any capitalized interest. 

** Estimated at the time of closing