NRG Solar LLC , a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., and The Boeing Company started construction on Dandan, Guam’s first solar power plant. NRG will bring its experience and ingenuity as a solar innovator to this project, proven by the company’s successful development of solutions ranging from the world’s largest solar thermal and photovoltaic facilities to professional sports stadium rooftops to customizable solar canopies. Boeing will provide its engineering, procurement and construction expertise to the project.
Dandan will generate 25 MW (AC) of clean power, enough to provide 10,000 homes and offset consumption of almost 2 million barrels of fuel oil and diesel. Energy generated will be sold to the Guam Power Authority, the island’s sole electric utility, under two 25-year power purchase agreements that will help Guam achieve its renewable energy goals by 2015.
“Guam is taking a strong step forward in realizing its sustainability goals, both from an environmental and economic point of view,” said Joaquin C. Flores, general manager, Guam Power Authority. “We look forward to seeing the facility completed and observing how it will serve as a catalyst for more interest in renewable energy on the island.”
“We have been trying to provide affordable and reliable energy options by spearheading innovative financing and procurement strategies that drive down the balance of system costs,” said Tom Doyle, President and CEO of NRG Solar. “Dandan paves the way for other renewable energy possibilities in the region.”
“Clean, affordable, and secure power is a big need for Guam and throughout the world,” said Tim Noonan, vice president of Ventures, part of Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security division. “Our engineering, procurement and program management expertise coupled with NRG’s approach to providing leading edge energy solutions creates a powerful and capable team.”
Located in the South Pacific, Guam is geographically isolated from major ports in the region and relies on imported oil and diesel to generate all of its energy. According to the GPA estimates, the project is expected to generate enough clean solar power during the power purchase agreements to realize a total fuel cost savings to GPA of over $300 million. The clean energy generated will cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40,000 metric tons, the equivalent of taking nearly 7,300 cars off the road.
Guam (Source: wikipedia) |