The five 10-MW arrays in south-eastern New Mexico will consist of utility-scale, ground-based systems and will generate enough power for more than 10,000 homes during their first full year of operation. In doing so, they will enable Xcel Energy to continue meeting New Mexico's renewable portfolio standard, requiring it to meet 15% of its electricity needs by 2015, and 20& by 2020, through renewable energy sources. "We are thrilled to begin harvesting New Mexico's rich solar resources," said Riley Hill, president and CEO of Southwestern Public Service Company, an Xcel Energy company, which provides energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers. "We are also pleased to be working with SunEdison, a leader in solar development with the experience and financial strength to ensure a smooth project completion," he said.
The five PV installations will be built, financed and maintained by SunEdison, under a 20-year solar power services agreement with Xcel Energy, which will buy the solar power generated by the plant once they are fully operational at the end of 2011.
This project eclipses the 8.22-MW PV system SunEdison activated for Xcel Energy in Alamosa (Colorado) in December 2007. Furthermore, at 50 MW, the Xcel Energy project will be one of the largest in North America. Once completed the five systems will produce over 2 billion kWh of clean solar energy over their 20-year lifespan (enough energy to power over 187,000 homes for one year) and will offset more than 1.3 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide over the same period.
Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson said the project reflects New Mexico's sustained commitment to solar energy leadership. "Excellent natural resources, competitive incentives and pro business policies have positioned New Mexico at the forefront of the clean energy economy, and our commitment continues to generate economic development and well-paying jobs throughout the state," he said.
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