Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), stated Wednesday that it has completed work on the 150-MW Mesquite Solar I, the first phase of the planned Mesquite Solar facility in Arlington, Arizona.
The completed solar photovoltaic project can now power around 56,000 households.
From PR Newswire:
“We are pleased to continue the momentum of our solar program with the completion of Mesquite Solar 1 and will now focus on the development of the remaining 4,000-acre complex,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. “This accomplishment puts us solidly on track to own and operate more than 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by the end of this year. We are excited about the future. This milestone would not have been possible without the strong support of neighboring communities, regulators and local and state elected officials.”
More than 450 workers have been involved with the project, which got underway back in June of 2011. Pacific Gas & Electric is buying the power, governed by a 20-year contract.
Altogether, the complete complex could be one of the largest solar facilities in North America, producing as much as 700 MW.
Sempra Energy had revenues of $10 billion in 2011, and the company continues to operate worldwide with an employee base of 17,500 and more than 30 million consumers.
