SolarReserve, a U.S. developer of utility-scale solar power projects, announced the appointment of Michael DuBois as Vice President, Project Management and Construction. DuBois will lead the company's efforts to manage the construction of SolarReserve's $1.8 billion of solar power projects that are currently underway, as well as the company's future solar projects in its development pipeline. DuBois brings valuable experience in international power development, which will be a significant contribution as SolarReserve continues to expand worldwide.
DuBois brings more than 35 years of experience in project management, construction and engineering in the power industry to his new position at SolarReserve. Most recently, DuBois was Vice President at J-POWER USA where he was responsible for asset management, late-stage development, and engineering and construction activities in North America, overseeing the operational and financial performance of 3,800 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale power plants in the U.S. and worldwide.
"We are excited to have Mike join our team," said Kevin Smith, CEO of SolarReserve. "Mike's extensive experience in project and construction management further strengthens our executive team. He will be a major asset to bring our current construction projects through to the finish line, and to strengthen our continued development of utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. and internationally."
Prior to J-POWER USA, DuBois was a Principal for Project Performance Group, where he led the company's efforts on the development of conventional power plants. DuBois has also held positions as Vice President of Engineering for Insight Energy, and Vice President of Project Management and Construction with Indeck Energy, among other senior positions in the power industry. In these roles, DuBois has actively led the development and construction of more than 2,000 MW of power generation facilities in the U.S. and overseas.
In joining SolarReserve, DuBois said, "With the industry-leading solar thermal power technology with integrated energy storage, joining SolarReserve's team to continue deploying this technology is an excellent opportunity that I am excited to be a part of. There is no doubt that utility-scale solar power with energy storage is going to fit a critical market need and I am certain my skill set will help SolarReserve achieve its goals of deploying this world class technology in projects around the world."
SolarReserve currently has 356 MW of solar projects in construction, both concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) projects, totaling $1.8 billion in capital costs. Once operational, these projects will generate enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. The Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant, SolarReserve's flagship project, commenced construction in September of 2011, near Tonopah, Nevada. The 110 MW Crescent Dunes project is the first commercial scale facility utilizing the advanced molten salt power tower energy storage technology. SolarReserve's technology can capture and store the sun's thermal energy and can operate ‘on demand' just like conventional coal, natural gas or nuclear power plants, but without the release of harmful emissions or hazardous wastes associated with conventional power plant technology, nor does it expose utilities and rate payers to volatile fossil fuel prices. The project currently has more than 500 workers on site and is entering the commissioning phase with first electricity generation scheduled in early 2014.
Additionally, SolarReserve currently has three photovoltaic projects, totaling 246 MW of generation capacity, in construction in South Africa. The Letsatsi and Lesedi Power projects, each 75 MW in size, broke ground in February 2013, and are well underway in construction. The 96 MW Jasper Power project recently closed financing and commenced construction shortly thereafter. All three projects are slated for completion in 2014.
