SolarReserve Signs Power Contract with NV Energy for Utility Scale Solar Power Project in Nevada

SolarReserve, a California-based developer of utility-scale solar power projects, announced it has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with NV Energy for the sale of electricity from SolarReserve’s Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project.

Developed and owned by SolarReserve’s subsidiary, Tonopah Solar Energy, LLC, the 100-megawatt solar energy project will be located near the town of Tonopah in Nye County, Nevada. When completed, Tonopah Solar Energy’s facility will supply approximately 480,000 megawatt hours annually of clean, renewable electricity--enough to power up to 75,000 homes during peak electricity periods utilizing its innovative energy storage capabilities.

The project will utilize the advanced molten salt system technology from United Technologies Corp. (UTC), the diversified technology company headquartered in Connecticut. SolarReserve holds the exclusive worldwide license for this technology.

This groundbreaking technology features efficient energy storage inherent in the technology design that can provide electricity reliably during peak demand periods to meet utility requirements whether the sun is shining or not. 

Expected to break ground by the end of 2010, the project will create as many as 450 construction jobs for Nevada during the two-year construction period. It will employ 45 permanent operations staff and will have an annual operating budget of more than $5.0 million, with the majority of that budget spent in the region. In addition, up to 4,000 indirect jobs would be created through the use of locally based suppliers and service providers.

The project will generate sales and property tax revenue estimated at more than $40 million over the project operating period. The project also supports SolarReserve and suppliers’ design, development, and engineering staffs with more than 100 engineers working to further U.S.-developed solar energy technology for potential export around the world.

"The Tonopah project is a significant step in the advancement of clean and reliable solar power for the United States and Nevada and will be a catalyst for new technology manufacturing in the region," said Kevin Smith, SolarReserve’s Chief Executive Officer. "We are extremely pleased to be working with NV Energy and look forward to the opportunity to work together on additional projects in the future. In addition, we are grateful for all of the support from Senator Harry Reid and other members of the Nevada delegation. We also appreciate Air Force Secretary Michael Donley directing the Scientific Advisory Board to carry out a thoughtful study and the Air Force’s decision to allow this project near Nellis Air Force Base to move ahead."

NV Energy’s President and CEO Michael Yackira said his company is taking major steps in continuing Nevada’s leadership in the development of renewable energy. "The energy storage characteristics were a key factor in our selection of the Tonopah Solar Energy project and provide a showcase for U.S. technology development in Nevada."

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