Electricity generated by the facility is being sold to Southern California Edison (SCE) under a 20-year power purchase agreement. NRG estimates that, at peak capacity, the Blythe project can supply power needs of approximately 17,000 homes.
David Crane, president and CEO of NRG Energy, said: “California, as it has in many arenas, is leading the way in encouraging large-scale clean energy sources. NRG, through our association with pioneers like First Solar and forward-thinking companies like SCE, seeks to help clean our air while stocking our country’s clean energy economic growth through commercial implementation of solar technology.”
Bruce Sohn, president of First Solar, said: “The development, project finance and construction of this solar plant demonstrate First Solar’s capabilities in utility scale projects. With a three-month build-out, we are pleased to be bringing it online ahead of schedule.”
Using First Solar’s thin film PV panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity with no water consumption during operation, the Blythe plant will generate approximately 45,000MWh of electricity per year. This solar generation will avoid approximately 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services at Blythe under a long-term contract with NRG.
