NRG Buys California PV Plant

NRG acquires 21MW power plant in Blythe, California from First Solar

23 November 2009 | By Mark Osborne | News > Power Generation

NRG Energy, via its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar LLC has bought the yet to be completed solar power plant in Blythe, California, from First Solar. The 21MW project occupies approximately 200 acres of land and is expected to be completed by the end of the year and is claimed to be the first and largest utility-scale PV project in California.
First Solar and NRG did not disclose financial terms, however, First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services at Blythe under a long-term contract with NRG.

"First Solar is very pleased that the first of our utility-scale solar projects in California will be coming on line with a leading power producer like NRG," said Bruce Sohn, president of First Solar. "This clean, affordable, and sustainable energy will help California meet the goals of its Renewable Portfolio Standard."

Electricity from the plant will be sold to Southern California Edison under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“Solar fields generate the greatest amount of clean energy when electricity demand is highest, making this an ideal technology for utilities, municipalities and companies looking to diversify their renewable portfolios and reduce carbon intensity while ensuring that energy needs are met,” said Tom Doyle, President, NRG Solar. “With this acquisition, NRG joins with SCE to add to and further diversify their portfolio of low- and no-carbon generation while we establish a relationship with First Solar and a platform for future solar development.”

First Solar also said that it is developing 1.3GW of PV solar projects under contracts with utilities in California and the Southwest.