Imperial County Poised for First-of-Its-Kind Clean Energy Facility
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - A proposed clean energy project could bring new jobs and investment to Imperial County.
Sugar Valley Energy plans to build a facility that would use locally grown sugarcane to produce low-carbon ethanol. The project would also generate electricity and renewable natural gas by reusing plant material and wastewater, reducing emissions while supporting California’s clean energy goals.
Project leaders say the facility would create about 300 direct jobs, with hundreds more indirect positions tied to farming, trucking, harvesting, and maintenance. According to the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, the total employment impact could reach nearly 1,800 jobs across the region.
Developers say the project is fully permitted and in the final stages of financing. Construction could begin as early as 2026 if funding is finalized. The facility would operate nearly year-round and rely on Imperial County growers to supply sugarcane.
The project could provide new opportunities for workers impacted by the recent closure of the Spreckels sugar beet plant, with plans to recruit locally and partner with workforce and education programs.
If completed, Sugar Valley Energy would be the first facility of its kind in the United States, positioning Imperial County as a leader in low-carbon fuel production.
