Enbridge has bought a 100% interest in the 50MW Silver State North photovoltaic (PV) project developed by First Solar in Las Vegas, Nevada, near the community of Primm in the US.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed though First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services to Enbridge under a long-term contract.
Enbridge Green Energy vice president Don Thompson said the US solar market presents significant growth opportunities given the excellent solar resource, supportive regulatory environment and expanding portfolio of solar energy projects.
"Silver State North marks Enbridge’s entry into the U.S. solar energy market and demonstrates Enbridge’s continuing commitment to growing its green energy business, while delivering attractive returns and stable cash flows," added Don.
Silver State North is expected to begin commercial operation by May 2012.
Silver State North will use First Solar’s thin film PV modules to deliver solar energy, displacing about 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
First Solar expects to receive revenues from Silver State North after final testing and commissioning, scheduled in the second quarter of 2012.