Sempra Generation has established a goal of becoming the first company in the U.S. to own and operate 500 megawatts of solar power. In 2008, Sempra Generation completed its first solar energy project, a 10-megawatt photovoltaic power-generation facility near Boulder City, Nev. The El Dorado Solar project is the largest operational thin-film solar power facility in North America and generates enough electricity to power approximately 6,400 homes during peak hours. Unlike some solar power facilities, the 167,000 solar panels do not use water or other liquids in the power-generation process, making it a highly sustainable project for the southwest U.S. Plans to build an adjacent 48-megawatt thin-film solar facility were announced in early 2009.
In addition to constructing solar power facilities, Sempra Generation is planning to build its first wind farm, a project in northern Baja California, Mexico, called Energía Sierra Juárez. The facility will initially generate 100-125 megawatts of electricity for consumers in the U.S. with a potential expansion to 1,000 megawatts.
Our California electric utility, SDG&E, is also making investments to increase its use of renewable energy. State law requires utilities to get 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010. However, SDG&E took its commitment to clean energy a step further in 2008 by voluntarily agreeing to acquire one-third of its power from renewables by 2020. This pledge puts the utility on the pathway towards a more sustainable energy future and supports the state’s drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2008, over 6 percent of SDG&E’s delivered energy supply came from renewable sources - up from less than 1 percent in 2002. The utility signed additional contracts for 261 megawatts of wind, biomass, and geothermal electricity and continues to seek out clean power resources within and outside its service territory. The utility expects that 14 percent of its contracted electricity supply will be renewable by 2010 and 26 percent by 2012. SDG&E believes it will be able to comply with California's renewable energy requirements based on its contracting activity and a reasonable application of the flexible compliance mechanisms.
SDG&E also worked with stakeholders to develop a $125 million solar initiative – the largest in San Diego history - to install 26 megawatts of solar panels on utility-owned property and other sites. State regulators are expected to vote on this proposal in 2009. Under the plan, SDG&E would also purchase additional solar power generated on third-party properties like commercial rooftops.
We expect solar power to play an important role in San Diego because of its sunny climate and generous government incentives. In fact, SDG&E was recognized in 2008 by the Solar Electric Power Association as having the fourth most installed solar-power capacity among all U.S. utilities.
