WILDCAT ENERGY FARM
A Step Toward a More Sustainable and Resilient Future.

Project Summary

Located on expansive, but underutilized private land, the Wildcat Energy Farm is a planned photovoltaic solar and energy storage facility in Imperial County, California. The project will support the area’s expanding energy needs and goals while preserving the natural environment and boosting the local economy.

An Ideal Location with Minimal Impacts

The vitally needed project will include photovoltaic solar power generation and energy storage, strategically sited near existing transmission lines for efficient distribution. 

Importantly, the project will come at no additional cost to Imperial Irrigation District (IID) customers and will have no impact on local farmland, ensuring that agricultural lands remain untouched. 

The resilient energy project is designed to tread lightly. It requires minimal alteration to the land itself, consciously preserving the natural ecosystem and ecological balance. And for residents, Wildcat will have little impact on local resources, infrastructure, and services. 

As part of its long-term commitment to sustainability, the Farm will incorporate ongoing land management to maintain and enhance the property for future generations.

Respect for the Local Community

The project is currently undergoing a thorough environmental impact review by the County which will be followed by public hearings to ensure community input is heard and incorporated.  Beyond the care taken with environmental considerations, the Wildcat Energy Farm is deeply committed to respecting and benefiting the County and the local West Shores communities. 

Importantly, the project will provide a significant economic boost, creating hundreds of skilled construction jobs and new revenue streams for West Shores area businesses. This economic contribution will help support regional resilience and beyond its construction, Wildcat will invest in the long-term well-being of the area, ensuring that its benefits will last for generations to come.

And for those attracted to the area for off-roading activities, the Wildcat Energy Farm is working to ensure access for off-roading is maintained—and to create additional opportunities for sustainable, mutually beneficial public use of the land. 

Increased Energy Reliability and Resiliency

The Wildcat Energy Farm will play a crucial role in enhancing energy reliability and resiliency. By harnessing locally sourced solar energy, the project will provide clean power to users, reducing reliance on external energy sources. The on-site energy storage system ensures that energy is available when it is needed most, particularly during peak demand times. 

Most importantly, the Wildcat Energy project development will completely reconstruct the aged energy infrastructure—including transmission lines—improving both their performance and reliability. All told, these elements position the Wildcat Energy Farm as a transformative and sustainable solution for the future of energy in the region and beyond.

Location

The project site is located just west of the Salton Sea, approximately 40 miles south of Coachella, CA and 40 miles northwest of Brawley, CA.

Project Specifications

Total Capacity

Up to 800 MW

Annual Energy Production

2,332.9 GWh/year

Number of Solar Panels

1,964,000 PV Modules

Land Area Utilized

5,900 Acres

Project Timeline

December 2023

Start discussions with local stakeholders / submit zoning application

November 2024

Issuance of Notice of Preparation/initial public meetings

Q4 2025

Draft Environmental Impact Report released / Public feedback

Q1/Q2 2026

Public Hearing(s) / Final EIR

Q4 2026

Start of construction

Q4 2027

Target Commercial Operation Date

About the Developer

At RAI Energy, we take a “community forward” approach to development, meaning that the local community is treated as an essential stakeholder for the duration of any project. To signify our commitment to the local community, we named the project after the local school mascot that generates local pride, and echoes our commitment to supporting education and economic development. In this case, we chose the Wildcat, named after the mascot of the Salton City High School.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions, concerns and input about Wildcat Energy Farm.