The US Department of Energy (DOE) has finalised a $72.8 million loan guarantee to develop a solar-plus-storage microgrid on the Viejas Tribe’s reservation near Alpine, California. The project, backed by the California Energy Commission, US Bancorp Impact Finance, and Starbucks, will feature a 15 MW solar system and a 70 MWh long-duration battery.
Once the solar and battery systems are installed, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians will secure electricity through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the project company. Furthermore, the project will lower energy costs, allowing savings to be redirected towards other initiatives that will benefit tribal members by enhancing essential services.
Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris administration approved the Maryland Offshore Wind Project marking the tenth commercial offshore wind project under President Biden’s leadership. This pushed the total offshore wind capacity to over 15 GW, achieving half of the 30 GW target for 2030.
