Sempra U.S. Gas & Power dedicates 150 MW of its Mesquite solar facility

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Greentech Lead America: Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy  and developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions, has dedicated the 150-megawatt (MW) first phase of its Mesquite Solar facility.

Located in Arlington, Ariz., about 40 miles west of Phoenix, Mesquite Solar 1 has the potential to build out up to 700 MW of capacity. The Mesquite Solar Complex is well positioned to be North America’s largest photovoltaic (PV) solar power installation, the company said.

“Mesquite Solar 1 represents a major step forward for the state of Arizona as we continue down the path toward our goal of establishing ourselves as the nation’s leader in solar generation,” said Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett, at the event.

Kevin C. Sagara , vice president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, thanked the federal, state and local government bodies for their support.

Construction on Mesquite Solar 1 began in June 2011. The solar project provided a boost to the local economy by creating more than 500 local construction jobs at peak along with 10 long-term positions. The landmark solar plant was completed in December 2012 and now generates enough emission-free electricity for about 56,000 homes.

The renewable power from Mesquite Solar 1 is sold to Pacific Gas & Electric under a 20-year contract.

Completion of Mesquite Solar 1 brings Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s operating solar portfolio up to 300 MW. The company has another 308 MW under construction at its Copper Mountain Solar 2 and Copper Mountain Solar 3 facilities in Boulder City, Nev.

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power operates solar, wind and natural gas power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes, along with natural gas storage, pipelines and distribution utilities.

editor@greentechlead.com

 

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