SunEdison, Inc. today announced that it has closed financing and begun construction on the 156MW DC/ 120MW AC Comanche Solar project in Pueblo, Colo.
"The Comanche Solar project demonstrates SunEdison's ability to deliver renewable energy at a price competitive with conventional resources," said Paul Gaynor, SunEdison executive vice president for EMEA and the Americas. "In addition, the Comanche Solar project will be financed through SunEdison's $1.5 billion non-recourse, First Reserve Warehouse. This facility is designed to expand as projects move into construction without incremental equity contributions by SunEdison."
The Comanche solar power plant is expected to produce more than 300GWh of energy a year, enough to power approximately 30,000 Colorado homes. The solar power plant will avoid the emission of more than 478 million pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of taking more than 45,000 passenger vehicles off the road. Public Service Company of Colorado will purchase electricity generated by the solar power plant under a 25-year power purchase agreement with SunEdison.
"SunEdison, through the Comanche Solar project, is helping move us in the right direction. It demonstrates that large-scale solar power can play an increasingly larger role in our customers' energy future at a competitive price point," said David Eves, president of Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. "Our participation in this project demonstrates that Xcel Energy is committed to providing customers the clean energy they want, at an affordable price." Construction has commenced on the project and will be managed by Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES).
"RES is pleased to continue our partnership with SunEdison," said Andrew Fowler, Chief Operating Officer, RES. "Colorado has demonstrated a commitment to remain a leader in renewable energy. The Comanche Solar project will be RES' second large scale renewable energy project in this state and our sixth cooperative project with SunEdison. Together we are creating jobs, reducing emissions, and delivering economic benefits to local communities."
SunEdison acquired Comanche Solar in 2014 from the original developer, Community Energy. The solar power plant is expected to be completed during the first half of 2016. Wells Fargo is providing tax equity for the project. Operation and maintenance of the solar power plant will be performed by SunEdison Services.