By TR Robertson
Tuesday was an important day for Arevon the developer of the Nighthawk Energy Storage facility, and the City of Poway, with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marking the energizing of the battery storage facility. Arevon is one of the leading renewable energy developers in the nation, ranking #2 among solar and storage developers. The Nighthawk location is on a 10-acre parcel off Kirham Road in the Poway Industrial Park, split off from the current operating rock and reclamation plant of what once was Padre Transit Ready-mix Company. The 300 Megawatt Nighthawk Energy Storage Project in Poway is operating under a standard long-term commercial lease agreement with Clerco Inc., also out of Poway.
This model for utility-scale battery energy storage installation provides energy and resource adequacy services for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Battery storage increases reliability and resilience of the statewide electrical grid. Arevon has said they are “committed to supplying energy that is affordable, safe, and socially responsible by using innovative solutions and technology to develop, build, finance, own, and operate high-performing solar and energy storage products across the nation”.
The Grand-opening Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony began with Senior Manager of Development for Arevon Energy, Sohail Suryavanshi, welcoming those in attendance and introducing Arevon CEO Justin Johnson to the stage. Justin said this project has been 10 years in the planning and has faced many speed bumps and hurdles, but thanks to city officials, landowners, engineers, workers, and many others, the project is now fully operational. He said Arevon is one of the largest renewable energy companies in the nation, currently in 18 states with many others under construction. The building of this battery storage facility has already helped the City of Poway with jobs while under construction and Arevon has become an active member of the community, working with many local organizations. He said the facility will generate $30 million in tax revenue. Justin introduced Leuwan Tesfai, Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission. She said planning and hard work have brought this project to fruition. Arevon is known for a strong commitment to local communities and working with others. They are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are an example of what is necessary for future energy projects. Leuwan introduced San Diego County District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson.
Supervisor Anderson said the Nighthawk Development presents a vision of where we need to be in the energy battery storage facility industry. He said this facility also represents the importance of Green Energy reliability. He also commended Arevon for using local skilled labor in the construction of this project. The Supervisor presented CEO Johnson with a Proclamation from the County Supervisors commending Arevon for this Energy Storage Project. Speaking next was Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He said Nighthawk represents the foundation of long-term energy growth and a commitment of building energy the right way. Chris said their commitment of working with the city council and all parts of local government, with the fire department, with community organizations and everything required to get this project off the ground shows their belief in the importance of this renewable energy development. The next speaker was Mike Le Land, CEO of the Poway Chamber of Commerce. Mike said Arevon was a consistent community supporter and small business supporter from the start. He said this commitment shows how invested they are in Poway, the citizens and all organizations. One of these organizations was North County Special Needs Community Foundation. The final speaker was Tony Rubino, Founder and President of North County Special Needs Community Foundation. He listed several of the foundation’s events and projects that Arevon had supported and assisted with over the past few years.
The events MC, Sohail Suryavanshi, returned to the mike, thanking everyone for being at the ceremony and excusing the audience to enjoy the Kaminski BBQ Food Truck, Intuicion Specialty Coffee Cart, and for those taking part in the Ribbon Cutting they were to report to the area next to some of the battery storage units. With this the Nighthawk Energy Storage Project celebration of the final stages of this renewable energy project’s ceremony was completed.
