Agua Caliente Solar Gets $967 Million DOE Loan for Massive Arizona Solar Project
Sept. 1, 2011
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced that the Department of Energy finalized a $967 million loan guarantee to Agua Caliente Solar, LLC
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced that the Department of Energy finalized a $967 million loan guarantee to Agua Caliente Solar, LLC that will support the construction of a 290MW photovoltaic solar generating facility in Yuma County, Ariz. The project will use thin-film solar panels manufactured by First Solar Inc. NRG Solar LLC, the project sponsor, estimates the photovoltaic generation facility will fund approximately 400 construction jobs and 10 full-time operating jobs, and will be one of the largest plants of its kind in the world when completed. Agua Caliente Solar said in a press release that the project, located 65 miles east of the city of Yuma on the former White Wing Ranch, will produce sufficient electricity to power about 100,000 average homes per year. Transmission access will be provided by the existing Hassayampa-North Gila 500kV transmission line adjacent to the site. A new regional switchyard proposed by the transmission owners will be constructed on the site and be in service by winter 2011-2012.
