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Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading renewable energy developer, celebrated the start of operations at its $529 million Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project near Holtville, Imperial County, California. The state-of-the-art facility combines 157 megawatts (MWdc) of solar capacity with 150 MW/600 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage, making it one of the first utility-scale solar peaker plants in the U.S.
The Vikings project is designed to shift low-cost solar energy generated during the day to meet higher-cost peak demand in the late afternoon and evening. Its advanced battery storage system can respond within seconds, providing critical support to the grid during periods of high demand. The project also leverages key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to enhance grid resilience, promote domestic manufacturing, and create well-paying jobs.
The project has already delivered substantial benefits to the local community. During construction, over 170 workers were employed, many from the surrounding areas. Local businesses saw increased patronage, and the project is set to contribute more than $17 million to local governments over its lifespan, funding schools, first responders, and other vital services.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the launch, several prominent speakers highlighted the project’s impact on renewable energy and the local economy. Speakers included Joe LaCava, San Diego City Council President Pro Tem; Byron Vosburg, Chief Commercial Officer at San Diego Community Power; Rosie Allegranza, Executive Director of the Holtville Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon; George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy; and Jake Montgomery, Director of Development at Arevon.
The project also underscores Arevon’s commitment to strengthening the domestic supply chain, featuring key components from U.S. manufacturers. These include Tesla’s Megapack battery energy storage systems made in Lathrop, California, First Solar’s thin-film photovoltaic panels, and Nextracker’s smart solar trackers. San Diego-based SOLV Energy managed engineering, procurement, and construction activities.
Energy from Vikings Solar-plus-Storage will be provided to San Diego Community Power under a long-term agreement, supporting nearly one million customer accounts. Arevon and San Diego Community Power are also collaborating on the 200 MW Avocet Energy Storage Project in Carson, California, slated to begin construction in early 2025.”Vikings’ advanced design sets the standard for safe and reliable solar-plus-storage configurations,” Smith said. “The project incorporates solar panels, trackers, and batteries that showcase the growing strength of U.S. renewable energy manufacturing. Its completion marks a significant milestone for Arevon, as we continue to meet California’s clean energy needs while advancing energy security and independence nationwide.”
“The Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project directly supports San Diego Community Power’s investment in clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers,” LaCava said. “This partnership with Arevon reinforces our commitments to our ambitious renewable goals, while providing the environmental, community, and workforce benefits at the core of Community Power’s mission.””The Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project directly supports San Diego Community Power’s investment in clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers,” LaCava said. “This partnership with Arevon reinforces our commitments to our ambitious renewable goals, while providing the environmental, community, and workforce benefits at the core of Community Power’s mission.” |
