Texas builds US largest solar powered plant

Austin Energy has led 800 utility sponsored green power programs nationwide in green
power sales since 2002. In 2004 the company began a solar rebate program, offering one
of the largest solar rebates in the country at $4.50 per watt. (Photo/Business Wire)

The Austin City Council decided last week to spend $250 million on building one of the world’s largest solar facilities in Webberville east of Austin. The plant, that is scheduled to start operating by the end of 2010, will be the biggest solar facility in the U.S.

Constructed and operated by Gemini Solar Development Company, a joint venture between MMA Renewable and Suntech Power Holdings, the facility is expected to provide energy sufficient to power 5,000 home per year, and Austin Energy will over a 25-year term purchase all of the electric energy produced from the 177,000 photovoltaic solar panels, paying about $10 million per year for the power.

“Diversifying our renewable energy portfolio is a key strategy to help insulate our customers from volatility and escalating prices in traditional energy markets”, said Austin Mayor Will Wynn. “We want Austin to be ahead of the curve as the nation finally takes on the challenge of global warming and makes the transition to a new energy economy”.

But Mayor Will Wynn is not alone in his quest. Dallas based AT&T announced earlier this week that the company will green its vehicle fleet, launching 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles over the next 10 years, and TXU Energy earned yesterday a Green-e-Energy certification for its commercial renewable product Texas Wind.

“TXU Energy is dedicated to providing greater energy efficiency solutions to our customers that help conserve energy, save on energy costs, and preserve our environment at the same time”, said Jim Burke, chief executive officer for TXU energy in Dallas.