Case Study

EDC helped Wildcat Discovery Technologies save on energy costs, retain San Diego operations

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Economic Incentive Consulting

ServiceEconomic Incentive Consulting

APRIL 2025

Wildcat Discovery Technologies (Wildcat) is a San Diego-based cleantech company developing high-performance, best in class, U.S.-made cathode active materials to accelerate clean energy adoption in EVs and energy storage. Wildcat was founded in San Diego in 2006 and has spent the past 19 years researching and developing novel battery materials through the use of its internally developed rapid research platform.

Wildcat faced its own rising energy costs, prompting the company to consider relocating its current operations and future expansion outside California.

COMPANY

CHALLENGE

High energy costs and non-optimized metering pricing put increasing pressure on Wildcat, leading the company to explore relocation options outside California. This placed 93 high-quality jobs at risk of leaving the San Diego region.

As a growing company, Wildcat had also planned to expand its operations in the next few years. Expanded operations would mean additional equipment, headcount, and a doubling of its energy demand—making energy costs a critical factor in sustaining its research and development efforts. The company estimated the cost gap between California and lower-cost states would reach $2.2 million annually.

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

EDC connected Wildcat to trusted partners at SDG&E to explore potential cost-saving measures.

Additionally, EDC supported Wildcat’s application for SDG&E’s Economic Development Rate (EDR) program, which provides eligible businesses with a 12 percent discount on monthly energy bills for five years following approval from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Additionally, through EDC’s support, Wildcat engaged with San Diego Community Power (SDCP), which conducted an assessment that identified additional savings of up to three percent to optimize Wildcat’s metering. This direct engagement helped Wildcat navigate options for long-term cost reductions and chart a path to maintaining its footprint in San Diego.

VALUE DERIVED

Wildcat was officially accepted into SDG&E’s EDR program in December 2024, ensuring its continued operations in the region. With SDG&E’s EDR and SDCP’s adjustments, Wildcat expects to see 15 percent total energy cost savings that will continue to support 93 full-time employees.

In 2025, Wildcat plans to add a production line, creating 10 new positions. Based on Wildcat’s 2024 energy consumption and proposed expansion plans, estimated savings for the company will range from $142,000 to $217,000 annually. Without these cost saving solutions, the company would have moved this expansion—and potentially its entire operation—out of San Diego.

“EDC’s support made it viable for us to continue growing in San Diego, where access to top-tier talent is essential to our success. With EDC’s partnership, we took advantage of significant cost savings on energy, helping us retain high-quality jobs and plan for future expansion in the region.”

—Mark Gresser, President & CEO, Wildcat Discovery Technologies

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Emily Irion
Emily Irion

Sr. Manager, World Trade Center San Diego