Nov 15 2010
Sempra Generation yesterday received unanimous approval from the Kern County Board of Supervisors to construct a new photovoltaic solar power plant in California's Antelope Valley.
Located in the high desert about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Rosamond Solar will generate up to 200 megawatts (MW) or enough electricity to power about 76,000 average homes for a year.
"Rosamond Solar will deliver a new supply of solar power to California that moves the state one step closer to reaching its clean energy goals, while, at the same time, creating more jobs for area residents," said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "California remains a strategic focus for Sempra Generation as we continue to grow our portfolio of solar and wind power projects in the Western U.S. We look forward to working with Kern County officials and the community of Rosamond on the development of the region's vast solar resources."
Sempra Generation anticipates breaking ground on Rosamond Solar in 2012 with completion targeted for 2013. The project will create approximately 300 construction jobs and up to eight new long-term positions to operate the facility.
Rosamond Solar will be built on privately owned, former agricultural land near an existing major transmission line corridor. The project will use photovoltaic solar-panel technology that does not require water to generate electricity.
This is Sempra Generation's fourth utility-scale solar power project. The company expects to complete construction on the largest photovoltaic solar facility in the U.S. later this year in Boulder City, Nev., and recently announced plans to launch the first phase of a 600-MW photovoltaic solar project outside Phoenix in 2011.
Sempra Generation operates and maintains a fleet of natural gas-fueled power plants, and is a leading developer of solar and wind facilities that serve U.S. markets. Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2009 revenues of more than $8 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 13,600 employees serve about 25 million consumers worldwide.
Source: http://www.sempra.com