On September 13, 2024, Indian Energy, LLC (“IE”) closed the debt and tax equity financing for the Viejas Microgrid, a groundbreaking project on the lands of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians near Alpine, California. This innovative microgrid project, featuring a 15 MWdc photovoltaic solar generation system and 70 MWh long-duration battery energy storage system, signifies a significant step forward towards tribal energy independence.

When complete, the project will be the largest single location solar carport photovoltaic solar generation in the United States, as well as the largest behind the meter non-lithium energy storage system in California.

Notably, this is the first project to obtain a loan guaranty through the U.S. Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Financing Program. The project also secured the largest grant ever provided by the California Energy Commission in support of a tribal project.

IE, a 100% Native American Indian-owned and operated company, develops, operates, and monetizes microgrids for Indian Country, the Department of Defense, and other organizations seeking energy sovereignty.

Baker Botts represented IE in connection with the development and financing of the project.

For more information, please see Indian Energy’s press release by clicking here.

Baker Botts Lawyers/Office Involved:

• Global Projects: Matt Gurch (Partner; Washington, DC); Eli Hinckley (Partner; Washington, DC); Ryan Norfolk (Special Counsel; Washington, DC); Bishr Ajlouni (Associate; Washington, DC)
• Tax – State Law: Matthew Larsen (Partner; Dallas)

• Litigation – Environmental, Safety, and Incident Response: Allison Watkins Mallick (Partner; San Francisco); and Day Robins (Associate; San Francisco)

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