Arevon Energy hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of operations of the Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project in Imperial County, California, near Holtville. The $529 million project includes 157 MWdirect current of solar energy coupled with 150 MW/600 MWh of battery energy storage.
Vikings, one of the first large-scale solar power plants in the US, shifts cheap daytime solar to more expensive peak demand periods, including late afternoons and evenings. The battery storage system can quickly adjust capacity in seconds, an essential component for addressing critical demand challenges.
The ribbon-cutting event held this week celebrated the collaborative efforts of the project’s stakeholders to make the project operational and recognized the community’s support to advance California’s sustainable energy goals.
“Vikings’ advanced design sets the standard for safe and reliable solar and storage configurations,” said Arevon CEO Kevin Smith. “The project includes solar panels, trackers and batteries that spotlight the growing power of U.S. renewable energy production. Its completion marks an important milestone for Arevon as we continue to meet California’s clean energy needs while advancing energy security and independence across the country.”
The project uses products from key U.S. manufacturers, including: Megapack battery energy storage systems manufactured by Tesla in Lathrop, California; First Solar thin-film photovoltaic solar panels and Nextracker smart solar trackers. San Diego-based SOLV Energy led the engineering, procurement and construction activities.
San Diego Community Power is the project’s client and through a long-term agreement with Arevon, energy from the Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project will help serve their nearly 1 million customers. The companies have also entered into a commercial agreement for Arevon’s 200 MW Avocet Energy Storage Project in the city of Carson, California, which is expected to begin construction in early 2025.
Vikings, named after Holtville High School’s mascot, provided scholarships to deserving Holtville High School students to use for tuition costs, which the Arevon team presented at an annual awards ceremony. The company also sponsors the annual Carrot Festival and remains committed to being an active member of the community throughout the project’s expected lifespan, which will last several decades.
News item from Arevon
