By Greentech Lead America: Enbridge, a Canadian energy
transporter, and First Solar have completed the Enbridge’s
50-megawatt (AC) Silver State North Solar Project in Clark County, Nevada.
The photovoltaic plant is expected to produce enough
renewable energy to power about 9,000 Nevada homes, offset 42,000 metric tonnes
of CO2 per year, and taking the equivalent of about 8,000 cars off the road.
Enbridge acquired Silver
State North in March 2012. Enbridge has invested almost $3 billion in
alternative energy technology projects that, together, have the capacity to
generate almost 1,000 megawatts of emissions-free energy.
“Along with our investment, Silver State North was
made possible through the Nevada Government’s Renewable Portfolio Standards
Program, the Federal Government’s incentive program under the 2009 American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the long-term contract that Enbridge has
with NV Energy,” said Al Monaco, president, Enbridge.
First Solar has developed and constructed the facility
and will operate and maintain the project for Enbridge. The project utilizes
First Solar’s advanced thin film photovoltaic modules. The energy generated by
Silver State North will be sold to NV Energy under a 25-year Power Purchase
Agreement.
“We are very pleased to bring on line the first
utility-scale PV solar project on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in
Nevada, which would not have been possible without support from the Department
of the Interior and the hard work and dedication of county, state and BLM
officials,” said Frank De Rosa, First Solar Senior Vice President for
Business Development, the Americas.
First Solar to set up 26 MW Avra Valley PV solar project for
NRG
NRG Energy and First Solar announced an agreement for
First Solar to build NRG’s 26 MW Avra Valley solar project near Tucson, Ariz.
Electricity from the Avra Valley solar project will be sold to Tucson Electric
Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.