HOLTVILLE — Holtville’s landscape is now home to the Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project, a $529 million renewable energy facility hailed as a key step in California’s push for a renewable-powered future, serving San Diego County with enough solar power for more than 100,000 homes.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, local leaders noted the community contributions tied to the project, including scholarships for Holtville High School students and sponsorship of the beloved Carrot Festival — though the energy itself is destined for homes far from Holtville’s borders.

“We have a saying here in Holtville, and it’s ‘once a Viking, always a Viking.’ Since its groundbreaking ceremony, Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project has been a good neighbor,” said Rosie Allegranza, executive director of the Holtville Chamber of Commerce in an address to the ribbon cutting attendees. The facility was named for the Holtville High Vikings, a fact that speakers were sure to mention multiple times throughout the event.

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The ceremony celebrated more than just the completion of the facility. For Holtville, the project represents an economic and community investment. Kevin Smith, chief executive officer of Arevon, the energy company behind the 604-acre facility, highlighted the scale of the endeavor. “This is a $529 million facility, and so it’s a huge investment for us. We’re expecting to be here for decades as this project continues to provide reliable and clean energy into the grid.”

George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy, the San Diego-based renewable energy company that led the engineering and construction of Vikings, spoke about the economic impacts of the project. “A project like the Vikings Solar Energy Project is unique because not only were we able to create 250 union jobs and over $25 million in wages, but it also showcases the connective tissue that renewable energy brings to communities,” he said. Smith added that the project will contribute an additional $17 million in tax revenue over its lifetime. Beyond the financial figures, officials highlighted partnerships with Holtville High School and support for events like the Carrot Festival as examples of the project’s local involvement.

Additionally, the facility relies on technology from leading domestic suppliers, reflecting the use of American-made components in its design. “The Viking Solar Project showcases top U.S. suppliers like First Solar and Tesla, reinforcing our commitment to American manufacturing and energy independence,” Smith said.

While the energy generated here will benefit homes far from Imperial County, the advanced technology powering the facility represents the future of California’s renewable energy efforts. The project pairs 157 megawatts of solar power with 150 megawatts/600 megawatt-hours of battery storage, allowing it to store energy during the day and provide power during peak evening demand.

“To meet our climate goals and meet the energy demands of tomorrow, we must invest in resiliency, and that means solar plus storage,” said Joe LaCava, president pro tem of San Diego’s City Council. “Projects like Vikings set the template for what we need to build in California.”

According to officials, the facility’s design to meet peak energy demands addresses one of California’s most pressing energy challenges. By storing excess energy generated during the day, the project can provide power when it’s needed most, easing strain on the grid and reducing the likelihood of blackouts. This capability not only improves grid reliability but also supports the state’s transition away from traditional energy sources during critical times. These projects intend to move California closer to goals established in the 2018 “100 Percent Clean Energy Act,” to have all new energy production come from renewable sources by the year 2045.

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For Byron Vosberg, chief commercial officer of San Diego Community Power, the utilities company purchasing the energy provided by Vikings, this broader vision of renewable energy hinges on collaboration. “The communities we serve and develop in are at the heart of what we do. It’s important to reinvest in these communities and ensure that projects like Vikings benefit everyone involved,” Vosberg said.

Representatives from Arevon echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the teamwork that brought the facility to life. “The partnerships and support from Holtville’s community have made this project possible, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Jake Montgomery, director of development at Arevon. “We are all one piece of a larger puzzle, and on days like today, celebrating the Vikings project, it becomes clear that when we come together, we can achieve significant feats that have a positive impact on the world.”

As the ceremony concluded, the Holtville chamber’s Allegranza brought the focus back to Holtville. “Our Carrot Festival Parade is coming up in February, and we look forward to continuing to work with Vikings Solar as a key sponsor and partner,” she said. “We will make sure to treat you as VIPs.”