BayWa r.e. has officially begun construction on Jacumba Valley Ranch (JVR) Energy Park, a large-scale solar and battery energy storage facility in southeastern San Diego County near Jacumba Hot Springs. The project follows the close of a $416 million financing package marking a major milestone for the development.
The facility will include 90 MW of photovoltaic solar generation paired with a 70 MW / 280 MWh battery storage system, allowing the project to store excess daytime solar power and supply electricity during evening peak demand. Once complete, the project is expected to provide enough clean energy to serve approximately 57,000 homes through San Diego Community Power.
Construction commenced with the close of financing, which consisted of a construction-to-term loan along with preferred equity investments from institutional partners. Commercial operations are scheduled to start in fall 2026.
Environmental protection
JVR Energy Park also incorporates environmental and community measures: It includes the development of a 435-acre biological open-space easement to protect local habitats and avoid sensitive ecological areas. BayWa r.e. has committed $4 million in local investments to support community initiatives in Jacumba Valley.
The project’s power will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement with San Diego Community Power, providing long-term revenue certainty for the project and helping to meet the region’s clean-energy goals.
The project is foreseen to create several hundred construction jobs during the building phase and a smaller number of permanent operations and maintenance positions once completed. By providing dispatchable renewable energy, JVR Energy Park should reduce regional carbon emissions and support grid reliability.
Construction has begun, representing a major milestone for California in the ongoing development of renewable energy resources and huge storage systems supporting a stable grid.
Across the country, large-scale renewable energy developments are emerging rapidly, reflecting the growing demand for clean and reliable power. Projects like the Catclaw Solar & Storage Facility in Buckeye, Arizona, exemplify this trend. Currently under construction, Catclaw combines utility-scale solar generation with battery storage, contributing to regional energy reliability while supporting emissions reduction goals. Developments of this scale are becoming increasingly common as states and utilities invest in renewable infrastructure to meet climate targets and growing electricity demand.
JVR Energy Park in San Diego County : Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Project Name: Jacumba Valley Ranch (JVR) Energy Park
Developer: BayWa r.e. Americas
Location: Southeastern San Diego County, California
Expected Operational Date: 2026
Current Status: Construction underway (groundbreaking completed)
Technical Specifications
Solar Capacity:
90 MWac / 127 MWdc photovoltaic solar generation
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):
70 MWac / 280 MWh capacity
Provides dispatchable capacity for enhanced grid stability
Power Supply Capacity:
Approximately 57,000 homes
Offtaker:
San Diego Community Power (SDCP)
Financial Structure
Total Funding: Approximately USD 416 million
Financing Partners:
Construction-to-Term Loan: Led by Société Générale
Preferred Equity Investors:
Wafra Inc. (New York-based global alternative investment manager)
Acadia Infrastructure Capital, L.P. (North American power infrastructure investment manager)
Tax Credit Transfer: Agreement secured with large corporate buyer
Environmental Impact
Lifetime CO₂ Avoidance: Approximately 500,000 metric tons
Environmental Commitments:
435-acre biological open space easement
Avoidance of sensitive habitats, wetlands, and jurisdictional waters
Strategic siting to minimize environmental impact
Economic & Community Benefits
Job Creation:
350+ union construction jobs through project labor agreements
Long-term operational positions post-completion
Local Economic Impact:
Labor and supply chain activity generation
Increased demand for local services (lodging, fuel, dining)
Significant property tax revenue for local schools, roads, and public services
Community Investment: USD 4 million direct investment in Jacumba Valley
Directed by Jacumba Community Sponsorship Group input
Guided by County of San Diego and local resident survey feedback
Fire Protection Agreement:
Partnership with San Diego County Fire Authority
5 acres designated for new Jacumba fire station
Key Stakeholders
Developer & Operator: BayWa r.e. Americas
Power Purchaser: San Diego Community Power (SDCP)
Lead Lender: Société Générale
Equity Investors: Wafra Inc., Acadia Infrastructure Capital, L.P.
Community Partners: Jacumba Community Sponsorship Group, County of San Diego
