By Greentech Lead America: Arizona’s State Land
Department and Arizona Public Service (APS), Arizona’s largest and longest-serving
electricity utility, announced that they will jointly build the first-ever
solar project on Arizona State Trust lands. The State Land Department has
identified nearly 400 acres of State Trust land in Yuma County for the
35-megawatt APS Foothills Solar Plant. The cost to APS for a 35-year lease on
the land is $10 million, which will go primarily to help fund Arizona public
education.
“This collaboration furthers our ongoing efforts to
establish Arizona as a global leader in renewable energy. The project will
bring quality solar jobs to Arizona and dollars to support our state’s public
schools — all while utilizing Arizona’s most abundant resource, the sun, to
generate clean and renewable energy. It’s the first of many solar projects that
will benefit the entire state and cement our status as the Solar King,” said
Janice K. Brewer, governor, Arizona.
The Foothills Solar Plant will be the fifth, and largest,
AZ Sun project of the APS. The Plant will produce clean energy enough to power
8,750 Arizona homes. All the electricity produced from this facility will be
used to serve local Yuma residents.
“Through our growing investment in solar energy, we are
helping the environment, creating jobs and protecting our customers against
potentially volatile fuel prices. It is a commitment we share with Governor
Brewer, the Arizona Corporation Commission and other key decision makers in
Arizona. Together, we have taken another important step toward creating a
sustainable energy future for Arizona,” said Don Brandt, chairman and chief
executive officer, APS.
The construction of the plant will begin in August 2012.
The plant is expected to come online in two phases — the first 17 MW will
reach commercial operation by March 2013; the remaining 18 MW will reach
commercial operation by December 2013. APS has contracted with AMEC to
construct the facility.
The AZ Sun Program was approved by the ACC and enables
APS to invest in the development of up to 200 megawatts of solar photovoltaic
power plants across Arizona. APS will finance and own the projects, which are
being designed and constructed by third-party solar developers, contractors and
equipment providers.
Recently, APS offered financial
incentives for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s solar power
system.