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Power Magazine Names APS Power Plant One of World's Best
Phoenix, AZ - The Saguaro Solar Power Plant, APS' new solar trough power plant, was named one of the top 12 power plants in the world by Power magazine, a trade publication providing insight into the global energy generation industry. Located near Red Rock, Ariz., the one-megawatt plant is one of two solar projects to make this year's list. The other was the Bavaria Solarpark in Bavaria, Germany. Each year Power recognizes a small number of projects that use cutting-edge technology to increase power-production efficiency while "treading lightly on the environment." When the Saguaro Solar Power Plant opened earlier this year it marked the first solar trough power plant ever constructed in Arizona, and the first in the United States in almost 20 years. The plant also is the first to combine solar trough technology with an Organic Rankine Cycle Power Block, typically used in geothermal and biomass applications. The block allows the plant to produce more power at lower temperatures. "Arizona Public Service, a long-time leader in solar energy development, has invested in the development of one such technology that is compatible with the sunny Southwest and certain to become more cost-competitive in the near future," the magazine stated. Unlike a photovoltaic solar plant, which uses sunlight to produce electricity, a solar trough uses heat from the sun to create electricity. The sun heats oil, which is then used to drive a turbine/generator. This technology can easily be combined with a storage facility, allowing it to hold energy, and to provide electricity when needed - not just when the sun is shining; something traditional solar plants are unable to do. "It is an honor to make this list," said Ed Fox, APS Vice President of Communications, Environment and Safety. "Everyone who helped in the planning, building and now the running of the plant should be very proud." APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves more than 1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW) Contact:
Steven Gotfried |
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