Sempra U.S. Gas & Power has completed the first phase of its Copper Mountain Solar 2 facility in Nevada, the next step on the company’s road to building one of America’s largest clean energy generation complexes.
Sempra and government official held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the 92-megawatt first phase of the 1,100-acre photovoltaic solar plant in Boulder City.
When Copper Mountain Solar 2 reaches full capacity in 2015, it will host 150 megawatts of solar panels, enough to power 45,000 homes.
Along with sister power plants Copper Mountain Solar 1, a 58-megawatt PV farm completed in 2010, and Copper Mountain Solar 3 – just begun, with an operational capacity of up to 300 megawatts that is also scheduled for completion in 2015; Sempra says Copper Mountain 2 will help form a massive solar power generation complex of nearly 460 megawatts.
“Large-scale projects such as this shows that Nevada continues to be a leader in developing renewable energy and is another step towards making our state the western hub of renewable energy activity,” said Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.
Work began on the first phase of Copper Mountain Solar 2 in December 2011 and created 650 construction jobs. The plant employs 11 operators. Energy from Copper Mountain 2 will be sold to Pacific Gas and Electric under a guaranteed 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Sempra chief Jeffrey W. Martin said this was proof of the power solar has to attract investment to the Silver State.
“Our hats off to the leadership in the state of Nevada. This … is a shining example of how a pro-growth business climate continues to attract clean energy investments. Our success here today also reflects the vision and leadership of Pacific Gas & Electric, which stepped forward to procure the output of this facility for the next 25 years.”
