EDF Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of the French energy company EDF has acquired two solar projects, with a total capacity of 179MW, from First Solar.

The two solar projects Switch Station 1 and Switch Station 2 Solar Projects are under construction, located in Clark County in the state of Nevada.

The two projects are expected to begin commercial operations by the end of this July and September, respectively.

When operational, the clean energy generated from these solar plants will be sold under three power purchase agreement to subsidiaries of NV Energy.

The solar projects are located on the land managed by the US Bureau of Land Management in the Dry Lake Solar Energy zone (SEZ) and include PV modules from First Solar.  The modules are being installed on horizontal single axis trackers.

The energy produced from the solar plants will be enough to power about 46,000 Nevada households, while avoiding more than 265,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. 

EDF Renewable Energy executive vice president Ryan Pfaff said: “The acquisition of Switch Station 1 and Switch Station 2 marks EDF RE’s entry into Nevada, a state with world-class solar resources where we plan to build additional projects in the coming years.

“We are pleased to be working with First Solar, one of our key solar partners, to deliver affordable, reliable solar energy to NV Energy and its customers.”

First Solar Treasury and Project Finance vice president Richard Romero said: “This is an exciting development in our long-standing relationship with EDF.

“There is great value in our shared ability to creatively structure a deal that meets both partners’ needs.”


Image: EDF Renewable Energy buys 179MW solar projects from First Solar. Photo: Courtesy of Business Wire, Inc.