First Solar has acquired K Road Power’s planned 250MW ‘Moapa Solar Project’ in Nevada, US, the latest development in a recent flurry of activity by the thin-film manufacturer and project developer to replenish its PV project pipeline.
The company noted that the planned project was at an advanced stage of pre-construction development, having received all approvals to start construction, which could begin groundbreaking in the fourth quarter of 2013.
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The Moapa project is said to be the first utility-scale installation to be approved on Indian tribal land in North America. The project already has a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).
“First Solar is proud to participate in this landmark project on lands where it can benefit the economic development of the Moapa Paiute tribe and serve clean energy to the City of Los Angeles,” said Jim Hughes, First Solar's Chief Executive Officer. “We're excited to build on the foundation and hard work of K Road and so many key stakeholders to make this project a reality, establishing a significant source of clean, renewable energy for the region.”
First Solar said that the project was expected to create around 400 construction jobs and approximately 10 permanent jobs when completed and operational. The company expects to design and build the project, using its CdTe thin-film modules.
K Road Power specialises in developing, financing, owning and operating utility-scale PV projects.