Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has entered into a 20-year agreement with US based Sempra Generation to buy 150MW of power produced at the Mesquite Solar I project.
Mesquite Solar I is the first phase of Sempra’s planned Mesquite Solar complex in Arlington, Arizona, located about 40 miles west of Phoenix.
Sempra said it controls sufficient land to build up to a 600MW solar power project at the site, and the installation will connect to the power grid at the nearby Hassayampa switchyard.
When completed in early 2013, the Mesquite Solar I project will produce enough electricity to power approximately 56,000 average homes.
Construction of this facility is expected to begin in 2011, using photovoltaic solar panel technology.
The recent power purchase contract is subject to approval of the California Public Utilities Commission.