Kern and Santa Barbara Solar Projects Totalling 72 MW Will Help California Meet Renewable Energy Goals
PG&E is to purchase 72 MW of electricity from two photovoltaic solar power plants which are being constructed in Central California.
One of the plants is the 32-MW Lost Hills project in Kern County, and the other is the 40-MW Cuyama project in Santa Barbara. These projects are expected to create 600 jobs at peak construction, and offset 45,000 metric tonnes (45 million kg) of carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent of removing approximately 8,900 cars from the road each year.
The construction of these projects could start in 2013, provided that the development process is complete. Each of the power purchase agreements have a delivery term beginning in 2019.
“We are very pleased to add these projects to PG&E’s solar portfolio, helping it and California reach their renewable energy goals,” said Brian Kunz, First Solar Vice President of Project Development. “Grid-friendly utility-scale power plants from First Solar are readily integrated into the electrical infrastructure.”
The power purchase agreements — each with a delivery term beginning in 2019 — are subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission, whose decision is expected in the first half of 2013.
First Solar both manufactures solar panels and builds solar power plants. PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) is a large utility company.
Source: First Solar
Image Credit: First Solar
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