DevelopmentGenerationRenewables

Tenaska’s 2nd Large-scale Solar Project Begins Commercial Operation

By September 20, 2016 December 4th, 2019 No Comments

Company Continues to Expand Footprint in Renewable Generation

EL CENTRO, California – The 150-megawatt (MW) Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center West, a new solar plant in Southern California capable of powering 55,000 homes, is fully operational. The project supplies power under a 25-year agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).

Tenaska Imperial West is Omaha, Nebraska-based Tenaska’s second large-scale solar project to achieve commercial operation and highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy.

“SDG&E has aggressively pursued clean, reliable and affordable energy for its consumers. We are proud that Tenaska projects will be significant contributors to its renewable energy supply for years to come,” said Jerry Crouse, Tenaska vice chairman and chief executive officer. “Similar to other Tenaska facilities, Tenaska Imperial West was developed, engineered and constructed safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, on time and within budget.”

Construction of Tenaska Imperial West began in November 2014 and was managed by contractor First Solar, Inc., which will also serve as the long-term plant operator. Located in southwest Imperial County, the project consists of 1.8 million First Solar photovoltaic panels.

In 2011, the 130-MW Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center South became the first large-scale solar project to begin construction in California’s Imperial Valley and the first to connect to SDG&E’s Sunrise Powerlink. Sunrise Powerlink was built to facilitate renewable energy development in the area. Tenaska Imperial South began commercial operation in 2013.

Together, the plants hired more than 1,300 construction workers, more than 70 percent of whom were from Imperial County communities, and paid approximately $32 million in state and local sales taxes. Together the facilities can supply enough energy for approximately 100,000 California homes.

“Powering homes and businesses with universal solar is good for our customers and our state,” said Emily Shults, SDG&E vice president of energy procurement. “Sunrise Powerlink is the foundation for giving all of our customers’ access to renewable energy. We look forward to all of the innovations on the horizon that will unlock clean, safe and affordable energy choices for our customers.”

In addition to large-scale solar, Tenaska’s involvement in renewable energy includes commercial and industrial distributed solar generation markets. Tenaska has a controlling interest in Jersey City, New Jersey-based Soltage, LLC, which develops, finances, installs, owns and operates rooftop and ground-mounted solar electric generating facilities for commercial entities.

Tenaska continues to explore opportunities for renewables development, including solar and wind, as well as other power generation technologies.

About Tenaska
Tenaska, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the leading independent power producers in the United States. Forbes magazine ranks Tenaska among the 25 largest privately held U.S. companies. Tenaska and its affiliates have developed approximately 10,000 megawatts (MW) of natural gas-fueled and renewable power generation, and currently manage operations for approximately 7,000 MW of power generation consisting of nine power plants. The company has approximately 450 MWdc of large-scale and distributed solar projects in operation or under construction. Tenaska affiliates also market natural gas and electric power and provide energy risk management services. Tenaska is involved in asset acquisition, natural gas fuel supply and transportation systems, and electric transmission development. For more information about Tenaska, visit www.tenaska.com.

Media Contacts:
Timberly Ross
Office: 402-691-9517
Mobile: 402-669-4073
tross@tenaska.com

Delette Olberg
Office: 402-691-9595
Mobile: 402-332-9380
dolberg@tenaska.com