The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved an agreement with Eagle Crest Energy Company, which includes $77 million in community benefit payments related to the future Eagle Mountain Pumped Storage Project near Desert Center. This project involves a 1,300-megawatt pumped storage hydroelectric facility at the Eagle Mountain Mine, using reservoirs from mining pits to manage water flow for electricity generation.
The initiative, fully funded by Eagle Crest Energy, has received federal approval and is recognized as one of the largest clean energy investments in the nation. The community benefits plan will provide $7.5 million at construction commencement, $5 million upon completion, and annual payments over a 60-year operational period. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez highlighted the significance of this project for Riverside County: “This is a milestone project for the Fourth District and for Riverside County,” he said. He emphasized its transformation of former iron ore mining lands into a renewable energy source and its long-term community impact.
Eagle Mountain Pumped Storage is expected to generate over $1.9 billion in new property tax revenue for Riverside County throughout its lifespan, positioning it as one of the county’s major taxpayers. It also promises $2.3 billion in savings for California power customers within its first 30 years.
Kerry Hattevik from Eagle Crest Energy expressed enthusiasm about joining the Riverside County community: “We are excited to be celebrating this milestone and to be a part of the Riverside County community now and into the future,” she stated.
The project’s construction phase is projected to create 4,500 jobs and contribute $340 million annually to Riverside County’s economy. Once operational, it is expected to produce an annual economic output of $27 million.
