Another 200 Megawatts of Solar Thermal Power Coming to Arizona

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

solar thermal power plant photo
photo: Albiasa Corp

Here's a bright spot on the solar scene: Albiasa Corporation has announced that it will be building a new 200 MW solar thermal power plant in Kingman, Arizona. The $1 billion project is expected to be completed by 2013:

When fully operational it is expected to produce more than 665,000 MWh of electricity annually using parabolic trough CSP technology and molten salt thermal storage. During construction, 2000 jobs will be created; once completed 100 people will be employed by the project.

Though this sort of solar thermal power plant has been in operation for some 20+ years in California (and there are a number in various stages of development...), Albiasa says its version of parabolic trough reflectors have been assessed to be the most efficient in the world.

Abengoa Recently Announced a 280 MW Solar Power Project
This announcement comes right on the heels of Abengoa Solar's announcement that it will be building a 280 MW solar thermal power plant, also with molten salt thermal storage, about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix.

via: Arizona Department of Commerce (press release)

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