The first 150-megawatt (MW) phase of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s Mesquite Solar complex is now operational.
Situated in Arlington, Arizona, the solar panel based electricity generation facility is creating enough clean energy to power around 56,000 homes.
“We are pleased to continue the momentum of our solar program with the completion of Mesquite Solar 1 and will now focus on the development of the remaining 4,000-acre complex,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power.
Mesquite Solar 1 has been constructed on previously disturbed land near existing power stations and transmission lines.
Once complete, the Mesquite Solar complex could host as much as 700MW capacity. Construction of the complex began in June 2011 and has provided jobs for over 450 workers.
Electricity generated by Mesquite Solar 1 is being sold to California’s Pacific Gas & Electric under a 20-year contract. The clean power will avoid around 190,000 tons greenhouse gases annually, the equivalent of taking 33,000 cars off the road.
Arizona Govenor Jan Brewer praised the Mesquite Solar 1 achievement; stating, ” I am thrilled to see our great state at the forefront of this promising industry and I look forward to Arizona continuing to establish itself as our nation’s solar capital.”
Sempra says the milestone puts the company on track to own and operate more than a gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by the end of 2013. Among the company’s other solar projects are Copper Mountain Solar 1, 2 and 3 and Rosamond. Its wind power projects include Fowler Ridge 2, Cedar Creek 2, Flat Ridge 2, Mehoopany Wind and Auwahi Wind.
The 21 megawatt (MW) Auwahi Wind facility commenced commercial operations in December last year. The facility consists of eight wind turbines and is located on the southeast ridge of Maui’s Haleakala volcano.
