Eos Energy Expanding Solar + Long Duration Energy Storage Microgrid Project on Tribal Lands in California

July 5, 2024
Eos Energy will add 25 MWh of storage to the existing 35 MWh order for a total project size of 60 MWh to enhance grid resiliency for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
Eos Energy Enterprises, a provider of sustainable zinc-based Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) systems, has expanded its existing agreement with Indian Energy, adding 25 MWh of storage to the existing 35 MWh order for an overall project size of 60 MWh to enhance grid resiliency for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. 
 
The expanded project will provide dependable utility-scale renewable energy by developing a solar-plus LDES microgrid on the Tribal lands of the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians in Alpine, California. The expansion is backed by the California Energy Commission and represents a significant improvement in sustainable energy solutions within California.
 
“The scalability, reliability, and flexibility of their systems make them ideal for meeting our energy storage needs. We are confident that our partnership with Eos will not only enhance our operational efficiency but also contribute to providing resiliency and energy stability in communities that face the greatest risk of being adversely affected by climate change," said Allen Cadreau, VP of Engineering at Indian Energy. 
 
The Viejas Enterprise Microgrid installation will include a hybrid of Eos Energy’s Gen 2.3 systems, which has been delivered, and Eos Z3TM Cubes. These systems are safe, non-flammable, and do not require cooling systems, reducing both ambient noise as well as operating costs. 
 
Eos will continue to increase Z3 production on its commissioned state-of-the-art manufacturing line in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, supported mainly by its US supply chain.
 
“Eos’ Battery Energy Storage System technology is a leading LDES solution that will ensure resiliency and reliability for the Viejas Tribe,” said Dr. Craig Reiter, Chief Sustainability Officer for Indian Energy and Maada’oozh. “Eos meets our domestic content requirements by being made in America and satisfies our sustainability goals as a non-lithium energy storage manufacturer.”
 
The announcement was followed by Eos Energy beginning commercial production on its manufacturing line and receiving up to $315.5 million strategic investment from Cerberus, an alternative investing firm, to help the company scale and produce Z3 long-duration storage systems for large-scale customer projects.