By Cleantechnica
Solana – Abengoa’s concentrating solar power project (CSP) not far from Phoenix – is 80 per cent complete, the Seville, Spain-based sustainable energy developer announced November 28. With a rated power generation capacity of 280 megawatts (MW), Solana – located about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona — will be one of the world’s largest solar power plants. With molten salt solar thermal storage capacity of about six hours, it will also be able to reliably supply clean, renewable electricity at night and during cloudy periods, helping meet peak electricity demand across the region.
As a clear demonstration of the multiple benefits and advantages large-scale solar power projects can bring to local communities, states, and the nation, more than 2,000 workers are on-site at Solana installing the 32,000 parabolic trough solar collectors of which the finalized project will consist. A workforce of 85 permanent staff will see to Solana’s ongoing operation and maintenance once it’s completed. The project is also generating indirect jobs in the local economy. All told, Abengoa’s initial estimates of job creation for the project have been exceeded, the company reported.
