ATLANTA, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The clean and plentiful sunshine of New Mexico is now producing electricity for some 9,000 homes as the Cimarron Solar Facility has begun commercial operation. At 30 megawatts, Cimarron is among the nation’s largest solar photovoltaic plants.
The facility is the first resulting from the partnership between Southern Company (NYSE: SO) and Ted Turner and will supply power to the member electric cooperatives of Denver-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar, Inc., (Nasdaq: FSLR) developed and constructed the facility and will provide operation and maintenance services under a long-term contract.
“This is a key milestone for Southern Company as we steadily incorporate more renewables into our energy portfolio,” said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Tom Fanning. “Renewables, along with new nuclear, increased energy efficiency, 21st century coal technology and additional natural gas, all will be crucial to meeting this nation’s growing energy demand.”
Fanning also noted that New Mexico, with its abundant solar resources, was an ideal location to establish the company’s first commercial-scale solar operation.
The 364-acre plant site is located within the service territory of Tri-State member system Springer Electric Cooperative in Colfax County, N.M., and is adjacent to Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch.
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