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Mesquite Solar
| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | Sempra Generation is proposing the development of Mesquite Solar, a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generation facility that, when fully developed, will produce up to 600 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power. A solar project of that size would produce enough energy to supply the needs of about 225,000 homes. The project will use solar panels that absorb sunlight and generate power whenever the sun is shining. | |
| SCHEDULE | Mesquite Solar is planned to be developed at the rate of 50 to 120 MW per year, with construction proposed to begin in 2010. | |
| SITE SUITABILITY | Key to solar energy production is the availability and intensity of solar radiation. Arizona is particularly well suited for solar energy because it has more than 300 days per year of sunshine. Other important criteria for determining the location of a solar energy generation facility include proximity to transmission facilities, land availability, flat terrain and compatible adjacent land uses. This project site has all of these characteristics, making it an ideal location for a solar energy project. | |
| PERMITTING | A Special Use Permit (SUP) for a 2,480-acre portion of the Mesquite Solar project was approved by Maricopa County in January 2010. In December 2009, an adjoining 1,280-acre portion of the Mesquite Solar project was designated by Maricopa County for solar development, and Sempra Generation plans to request an amendment to the SUP to include this additional acreage within the project boundaries.
A Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the interconnection facilities was approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission in January 2010. |
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| ELECTRIC INTERCONNNECTION | Facilities interconnecting Mesquite Solar to the grid (at the 500 kV Hassayampa switchyard) will consist of an on-site substation, a 230 kV power line, and a set of 230/500 kV transformers. This interconnection was approved by the utilities that operate the grid in November 2009. | |
| SEMPRA ENERGY | Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), acquires and develops power plants and energy infrastructure for competitive markets. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2008 revenues of nearly $11 billion. The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,600 employees serve more than 29 million customers worldwide. | |