Governor Jan Brewer Announces Sempra Generation Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant

PHOENIX, AZ (October 12, 2010) — Arizona Governor Jan Brewer joined executives from Sempra Generation today to announce the company’s plans for a large scale photovoltaic solar power generation plant. The planned Mesquite Solar Complex will be built in Arlington, Arizona, on former agricultural land near existing transmission lines.

“This is about my plan to diversify our economy – exporting our greatest natural resource and creating jobs for Arizonans,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “Our state is a national and global leader in the solar industry. Sempra’s Mesquite Solar Complex has incredible potential – at full build out, the site could grow to 600 megawatts becoming one of North America’s largest photovoltaic solar generation plants. Today’s historic announcement is a result of the leadership efforts of many, including Senators Barbara Leff and John Nelson, and Representatives Lucy Mason and Michele Reagan.”

Phase One of the project will generate 150 megawatts at a capital investment estimated at $500 million; at full build out it is a $2 billion capital investment. Sempra Generation provides power to key wholesale electricity markets in North America. It has entered into a 20-year power-purchase agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric Company for 150 megawatts.

“Mesquite Solar represents a major step forward for Sempra Generation as we continue down the path toward our goal of becoming the first company in the United States to own and operate 500 megawatts of solar energy,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation.

Construction on Mesquite Solar is expected to begin in 2011, creating approximately 300 construction jobs at peak and as many as 10 long-term positions to operate the facility.

“Arizona’s solar resources are unmatched by any other state – we offer a comprehensive vision to renewable energy, a skilled workforce, and progressive policies such as SB1254 which attract these kinds of projects and presents incredible future opportunity for this state,” said Arizona Commerce Authority president and CEO Don Cardon. “This project significantly raises Arizona’s global leadership in the solar space, and will have lasting impact as we compete to attract other global companies to our great state.”

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.