U.S. Military Plans 500 MW Solar Plant in Mojave

According to the Press Release, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has hired two companies to build a 500 megawatt power plant at Fort Irwin in California’s Mojave Desert, which would be by far the military’s largest solar facility.”  This project, set to be complete by 2022, would cost roughly $2 billion and dwarf the current largest solar plant facility, the 14 MW solar plant at Nellis Air Force Base.

Clark Energy Group and Acciona Solar Power are the two corporations responsible for ensuring this project comes to fruition. Clark Energy Group, headquartered in Arlington, VA, has had sustained success in both the public and private sector in maintaining energy upgrades, improving energy efficiency, and protecting the environment. The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Clark a $5 billion contract allowing them to partner with federal agencies on energy-related projects.

Acciona Solar Power, primarily a Spanish Corporation, has recently reinvented themselves to become a global leader in the development and sustainability of renewable energies. Their dedication to the environment is unmatched by their commitment to invest more than 200 million EU by 2010. In 2006, Acciona was awarded with the ‘Academia Dilecta’ in recognition of its excellence in scientific and technological research and development.

This solar facility will be a substantial step in meeting a federal mandate that requires the US to obtain a twenty-five percent of its energy from renewable sources. It would also match China’s 500 MW solar project that is currently underway.

Press Release