SolarReserve, a U.S. developer of utility-scale solar energy projects, announced today it has brought its final Certificates of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) by unanimous decision (5-0) in the Arizona Corporation Commission because of its 150 megawatt (MW) Crossroads Solar technology Project. The approval includes the associated transmission line connecting the project to Arizona Public Service's transmission grid. This final approval follows this past December?s unanimous decision (11-0) from the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee to grant the certificates.
Arizona Corporation Commission
"I am excited about this project. I believe this new technology will be really beneficial as we keep Arizona the solar capital," stated Arizona Commissioner Sandra Kennedy in her vote to guide the project. "I such as the fact that the developers with this project will seek to sell their solar power within Arizona, that i believe is a testament to our Renewable Energy Standard."
The project can create over 450 construction jobs through the two-year construction period and up to 5,000 direct and induced jobs, including off-site supplier and supporting activities. The project includes a capital cost in excess of $500 million and it is likely to generate economic increase in Gila Bend and through the entire region. It will employ no less than 45 full-time, permanent operations staff through the 30-year project operating life and has an annual operating budget of up to $10 million each year, largely spend locally.
Found on privately operated and actively cultivated land west of the Town of Gila Bend in Maricopa County, Arizona, the 150 megawatt Crossroads Solar technology Project will give approximately 450,000 megawatt hours annually of reliable, green, zero-emission electricity to Arizona - enough to power up to 100,000 homes during peak electricity periods. The project will utilize a professional molten salt, power tower technology produced by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a division of United Technologies Corporation, supplying the capacity to store 10 hours of solar technology and generate electricity at will, even with the sun's rays falls. This energy storage capability provides a stable, predictable electricity product and may replace conventional power generation that creates harmful emissions from burning coal, gas and oil.
"The unanimous approval from the Commission illustrates a consignment to bringing viable, utility scale solar thermal projects to Arizona which will give rise to the state meeting its renewable power goals and peak energy demand with non intermittent, fully dis-patchable power," said Tom Georgis, Vice President of Development for SolarReserve. The project also represents billions of dollars of investment into Arizona and significant, diverse job creation within the construction, operations, manufacturing and supply sectors."
Arizona Corporation Commission
The American Institute of Renewable power (AIRE) is really a solar training school fully equipped to get ready the workforce necessary to complete and operate SolarReserve's Crossroads Solar Energy project. Solar photovoltaic training is suggested in order to complete this ambitious project and build jobs in Arizona. So that you can start-up ones career within the solar technology industry, you ought to take the initiative to receive a solar installation certification. AIRE also offers free solar training seminars if one wants an introductory course in solar training.