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24-April-2007 -- An 82-acre tract in south central Colorado will be the site for one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the United States. Dignitaries including Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, and executives from SunEdison and Xcel Energy spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 8.22-MW Alamosa Photovoltaic Solar Plant. The solar plant is financed and will be built and maintained by SunEdison, a leading North American solar energy services provider. Xcel Energy will buy the solar power generated by the Alamosa plant, which is scheduled for completion by early 2008.
The Alamosa solar project is an important step for Xcel Energy in meeting Colorado Amendment 37 which requires large electric utilities to generate 10 percent of their power through renewable energy sources by 2015. In March, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law legislation that requires utilities to derive 20 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2020.
"The San Luis Valley will be home to one of the nation's largest photovoltaic plants. This plant brings rural economic development and clean, reliable, domestic-sourced energy which advances Colorado to a New Energy Economy," said Governor Ritter. "This project could not be done without the support and commitment of Colorado citizens, Xcel Energy and SunEdison. As the first and only state to pass an RES by initiative, Colorado is a leader in today's renewable energy economy. "
"With wind farms across the plains, new bio-diesel and ethanol plants, the National Renewable Energy Lab, innovative businesses like SunEdison and Xcel Energy and this solar energy project, Colorado really is the renewable energy capital of the Nation," said U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. "Combined with responsible development of fossil fuels and new technologies, renewable energy resources will help to secure our energy independence, strengthen our national and economic security and conserve our natural resources. And, solar energy will play an ever increasing role in that independence movement. This solar plant project, near my home in the San Luis Valley, will help bring new investments and new jobs to Colorado and I am proud to participate in this groundbreaking event."
The photovoltaic installation is being built under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between SunEdison, North America's leading solar energy services provider, and Xcel Energy. Under the agreement, Xcel Energy will purchase the clean, solar power from SunEdison.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the San Luis Valley as having the best solar power conditions in Colorado. Upon completion, the Alamosa solar power plant will have an immediate and measurable impact upon the local environment and community.
"By purchasing the clean energy from this solar power plant, we continue to enhance our reputation as a leader in the utility industry in protecting the environment. We are committed to meeting our customers' energy needs and to providing 20 percent of our power from renewable energy sources by 2020. We can meet these goals quickly and efficiently by working with providers such as SunEdison to receive clean energy from facilities just like this," said Pat Vincent, president and CEO, Public Service Co. of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company.
"Xcel Energy is clearly committed to providing clean energy for its customers. As the leading solar energy services provider, we are proud to be working with Xcel Energy on the Alamosa solar power plant. Xcel Energy and Colorado are leaders in creating policies and solutions that meet energy needs and benefit citizens and the environment," said Jigar Shah, CEO of SunEdison.
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