Solar One is a "go" for launch (64 MW solar thermal electric plant, NV)

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2007/03/05/news/iq_12851348.txt

Nevada Solar One is expected to start generating power next month, marking a milestone for Sierra Pacific Resources. Two of its subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, will have fulfilled one-quarter of their state mandated renewable energy portfolio, a company official says.

Nevada Power renewable energy executive Tom Fair says the solar project is expected to start propelling the Southern Nevada grid by April. The energy it produces will account for 5 percent of the total power that Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power will sell in the next year, he said.

Legislation enacted in 2003 and updated in 2005 requires the two companies to sell a percentage of electricity from renewable sources. The standard increases annually through 2015, when 20 percent of the energy they sell must come from renewable sources.

The third-largest solar plant in the world, the 64-megawatt Nevada Solar One will sell its power to Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific under a 20-year contract. The plant will produce enough energy to supply 48,000 homes.

<more>

The field work will start for a similar solar project out in San Bernardino county.

Good times. :P