Sempra Generation, a developer of solar and wind facilities in the US, has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), through a subsidiary, for 150MW Mesquite Solar I project in Arlington, Arizona.
Mesquite Solar I, which represents the first phase of Sempra’s planned Mesquite Solar complex on a site that could build up to 600MW of solar power, will use PV solar panel technology to produce enough electricity to power approximately 56,000 homes upon completion in early 2013.
Construction on Mesquite Solar I that will connect to the power grid at the nearby Hassayampa switchyard is expected to begin in 2011, creating approximately 300 construction jobs at peak and 10 long-term positions to operate the facility.
The PPA with PG&E for Mesquite Solar I, which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 190,000 tons each year, awaits approval from the California Public Utilities Commission.
Sempra Generation president and CEO Jeffrey Martin said that PG&E continues to demonstrate remarkable leadership in promoting the use of alternative forms of energy, and Sempra is pleased to partner with them again to deliver new supplies of solar power to their customers.