SCE strengthens its position as the nation's largest purchaser of solar energy

Southern California Edison (SCE) has signed a series of contracts with BrightSource Energy for 1300 megawatts of clean solar thermal power. As per the agreement, which now requires approval from the California Public Utilities Commission, the privately-held BrightSource has agreed to build and place in commercial operation seven projects. The first tranche of solar power in the pact with BrightSource will be 100 megawatts from a project to come on-line in 2013 in Ivanpah, California.

If Bureau of Land Management and California permits are in hand as the companies expect, ground can be broken at Ivanpah in the fourth quarter of 2009. Six 200-MW projects will also be located in the Mojave area but specific sites have yet to be chosen.

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SCE, BrightSource press release