Enbridge and First Solar Agree on 60 MW Renewable Energy Expansion at Sarnia
Source/Type: Reported News

Author: CompoundSemi News Staff

December 9, 2009... Enbridge Inc. of Calgary, Canada and First Solar, Inc. of Tempe, Arizona USA have entered into an agreement to expand the Sarnia Solar Project from 20 megawatts of capacity to 80 megawatts (MW). The total system cost of of the project is expected to be CDN $300 million for the expansion. When completed in the second half of 2010, it is expected to be the largest photovoltaic solar energy facility in North America. Enbridge and First Solar announced in October an agreement for Enbridge to acquire the initial 20 MW solar energy project that First Solar developed at the Sarnia, Canada site. The 20 MW project achieved full commercial operation on December 7, 2009.

Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, First Solar will construct the thin-film solar project for Enbridge under a fixed price engineering, procurement and construction contract. First Solar says that the 60 MW phase of the project is expected to begin construction in December and be completed by December 2010. With a 80 MW peak capacity, Enbridge expects the Sarnia Solar Project will generate enough power to meet the needs of over 12,800 homes. Under a long-term contract, First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services to Enbridge. The power output of the facility will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority pursuant to 20-year Power Purchase Agreements under the terms of the Ontario Government’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. First Solar News Release

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