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NRG Energy To Develop 500 MW of Solar Thermal

February 25, 2009 | 3 Comments

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New Jersey, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] NRG Energy has signed an agreement with eSolar to develop solar power plants with a total generation capacity of up to 500 megawatts (MW) at sites in California and the Southwest. The first plant is expected to begin producing electricity as early as 2011.

"By coupling NRG's construction capabilities and regional operating expertise with eSolar's innovative CSP technology, we can advance NRG's renewable energy portfolio while helping to accelerate development of these important projects on a commercial scale."

-- Michael Liebelson, Chief Development Officer - Low Carbon Technology, NRG Energy

At closing, NRG will invest approximately US $10 million for equity and associated development rights for three projects on sites in south central California and the Southwest U.S. The company will also sign a portfolio of power purchase agreements (PPAs) to develop, build, own and operate up to 11 eSolar modular solar generating units at these sites.

“This is NRG’s first venture into solar power and it brings an exceptionally important component to the low- and no-carbon focus of our Repowering NRG program,” said Michael Liebelson, chief development officer of Low Carbon Technology for NRG Energy. “By coupling NRG’s construction capabilities and regional operating expertise with eSolar’s innovative CSP technology, we can advance NRG’s renewable energy portfolio while helping to accelerate development of these important projects on a commercial scale.”

eSolar is currently completing its first commercial demonstration CSP plant in Southern California. The facility will be the first fully functioning solar thermal power tower plant built in the United States.

Solar Energy

3 Reader Comments

Comment
1 of 3

sudhakar-gorantla-166608

February 27, 2009

In the initial stage I was given to understand that csp solar thermal energy is economically viable proposition but from the material available from the web site I find it is expensive and the pay back period varies from 15 to 20 years which is definitely long period. I also understand the csp technology is undergoing lots of improvements and it is likely be more economical with in a short period.

I would like to know more about the latest developments and its economical viability. More information will be of interest and also I want this web site to throw more light on comparitive figures of various forms of renewable energy.

Comment
2 of 3

ann-malone-48191

March 2, 2009

Pay back period v. life of system, with no clean-up costs at the end, hmmm.

Comment
3 of 3

lee-lambert-173904

March 20, 2009

Sudhakar look at www.utilityscalesolar.com My company is hoping to build a 50mw csp in North Carolina using their new technology. Pay back period should be ~10y.

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