Global project constructor firm AMEC and Arizona Public Service (APS) Co have jointly completed a 17MW solar farm, the fifth project under the APS' AZ Sun solar programme.
With the completion of this phase, the Foothills Solar Power Plant will now move into a second phase, which will see a further 18MW of solar added.
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Don Brandt, APS’ chairman and CEO said: “Over the next eight months, we will continue our efficient and innovative construction process to complete the remaining 18 MW, helping Arizona and APS utilise the state’s most abundant resource to generate clean energy for its customers.”
The contraction of the solar plant is scheduled in two phases with the first 17 MW to become online. The other 18 MW is planned to reach commercial operation by the end of 2013.
The Foothills Solar Plant is expected to generate enough electricity to power 8,750 local Yuma customers.
Brandt added: “Foothills, like all of our AZ Sun facilities, is generating clean, solar energy that is becoming a critical part of our planning to meet the energy needs of APS customers. Beyond the solar energy being generated, these plants also are creating quality jobs for Arizona. Foothills has brought more than 100 jobs to the Yuma area. Arizona now ranks second in the country in solar megawatts installed, and APS is a big part of making Arizona a national leader in solar development. In fact, by the end of this year APS will have almost 700 MW of solar energy in our generation portfolio – enough electricity to serve 175,000 Arizona homes.”
The solar facility is built on 400 acres in Yuma County on Arizona State Trust Land.
Project and clean energy developer Atlanta.-based AMEC was the main constructor of the plant.
Larry Myers, AMEC’s vice president and executive sponsor of solar projects said: “Foothills is the culmination of the hard work and great partnership between AMEC, APS, Yuma County and the State Land Department. Over the next eight months, we will continue our efficient and innovative construction process to complete the remaining 18 MW, helping Arizona and APS utilize the state’s most abundant resource to generate clean energy for its customers.”
The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved the AZ Sun Program enabling APS to invest in the development of solar PV power plants across Arizona.
All the projects are being designed and constructed by third-party solar developers, contractors and equipment providers.
APS is acting as the financial supporter for the series of projects which will be sold to the company.
