EDF Energies Nouvelles is announcing the commissioning of the 143 MWp Catalina photovoltaic plant by its US subsidiary EDF Renewable Energy. EDF Energies Nouvelles has now developed and built over 1 GWp in gross solar capacity around the world.
Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the power plant extends over more than 360 hectares south-west of the Tehachapi and Piute mountains. The region, which is very sunny throughout the year, is ideally suited to this large-scale project.
The Catalina project comprising more than 1.1 million thin-film solar panels is the largest photovoltaic facility ever built by EDF Energies Nouvelles and ranks as the 8th largest plant worldwide* in terms of installed capacity. Under construction since May 2012, the power plant has been gradually commissioned since December 2012.
The photovoltaic facility supplies the electricity it generates to San Diego Gas & Electric Company under a 25-year power purchase agreement. EDF Renewable Services, a subsidiary of EDF Renewable Energy, provides operations and maintenance services.
“This landmark project, built in an ideal environment for solar energy generation, represents another milestone in our international expansion into very sunny areas in which generation conditions and consumption coincide”, stated Antoine Cahuzac, Chief Executive Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles. “The commissioning of this flagship project in a short space of time bears testimony to the expertise and commitment of our teams”.
*Reference: Bloomberg New Energy Finance
MEDIA RELATIONSManon de Cassini-Hérail ▪ Tel : +33 {0} 1.40.90.48.22 ▪ e-mail : manon.decassini-herail@edf-en.com
Clarisse Placidoux ▪ Tel : +33 {0} 1.40.90.49.46 ▪ e-mail : clarisse.placidoux@edf-en.com