Project Profiles
Utah's First Utility-Scale Solar Project
Access Solar has acquired a 1720 acre site in southern Utah for the development of the first utility scale solar project in the state - Escalante Valley Solar 1 (“EV Solar 1”). The site has the potential to install up to 180 megawatts of electric capacity and is ideally situated net to the intersection of both a 230 Kv and 345 Kv transmission line allowing for the movement of the electricity to key markets. Access Solar has also engaged with technology partners, transmission experts and power purchasers allowing for the successful development of the project. Access Solar expects that the project will advance to a "shovel ready" by 2011.
The Solar Energy Opportunity in Utah
Utah Has a Prime Solar Resource. According to a study prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Iron County site has some the most favorable solar characteristics in the United States, making it an ideal site for a solar power generating facility.
Utah's objective is to Increase the amount of Installed Renewable Energy. In order to meet the goal of 20% renewable energy by 2025 Utah will need to now move more rapidly than the surrounding states.
Potential to Establish a Combined Solar Education, Training and Development Facility. There is a tremendous opportunity to establish a facility that will assist in the training and development of students and technicians who wish to pursue careers in the expanding solar energy industry.
Utah Political Will. Over the past two years Utah has been very active in pursuing clean energy initiatives in the Utah. The commitment to clean energy has gained greater momentum and this was reflected in the results of the 2009 Utah legislative session.
Benefits of EV Solar 1
Cost Competitive. With the solar industry achieving scale, and with technological advancements, the installed cost of solar power has declined dramatically in recent years to a point where it is rapidly becoming cost competitive with fossil fuel power generating facilities, with or without investment tax credits and other government incentives.
Job Creation and Economic Growth. The project will bring many jobs to the region. During the construction of the facility up to 200 jobs will be created and long-term permanent jobs will approach 50 positions. When the facility is expanded additional jobs will be created.
Reduced Green House Gas Emissions. Pending legislation in Washington, D.C., if passed, would require the reduction of green house gas (GHG) emissions nationwide. Utah's GHG emissions have increased from 40,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 1990 to nearly 70,000,000 metric tons in 2010. The increase in GHG's is likely to continue, unless Utah embarks on an aggressive GHG emission reduction strategy, a critical part of which would be to deploy greater renewable sources of electricity into Utah's overall energy mix.
Consumer Demand for Clean Energy. Consumers in Utah are increasingly focused not just on the financial costs of energy, but on the environmental and health costs of energy. Cities and counties throughout the state, including in the southern part of the state where the initial project will be built, have adopted numerous incentives in response to consumer demand for cleaner sources of energy creating a favorable climate for the development of EV Solar 1.