Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

California: 8minutenergy, ISO and SDG&E sign 200 MW PV GIA

8minutenergy Renewables has signed a Generation Interconnection Agreement (GIA) with the California Independent Systems Operator Corporation (ISO) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Under the agreement, a 200 MW photovoltaic project will be installed in Imperial Valley.

8minutenergy has a 2GW photovoltaic pipeline in California, the US.

Flickr/Brian Wilkins

8minutenergy, which is currently developing over two GW, or 12 large-scale photovoltaic systems in California's Imperial Valley, said its latest project will help to upgrade SDG&E’s power network. When complete, it is expected to generate enough energy – 500 million kWh – to meet the needs of 72,000 households in SDG&E’s service territory.

Construction is slated to get underway in early 2014 and the plant should begin energy production in December of the same year. According to a statement released, 8minutenergy has already completed ISO’s Phase I and Phase II interconnection study processes, and posted the required letters of credits for the project.

Overall, the plant will be located across 1,422 acres of "private, disturbed, low-value farm land". Around 450 direct and over 500 indirect jobs are expected to be created during the construction period.

"This agreement is critical for 8minutenergy, ISO and SDG&E to continue to develop clean, reliable, renewable energy for the people of California," stated Martin Hermann, CEO of 8minutenergy. "Coming on the heels of the approval of our 600 MW solar project … this GIA furthers our comprehensive approach to select the most favorable regions for the transmission and interconnection of renewable energy projects."

President, Tom Buttgenbach, added, "This GIA means that 8minutenergy will be able to bring more jobs and economic stimulus to the Imperial Valley, an area in need of both."