EDF Energies Nouvelles commissions a 143 MWp solar power plant in California

Located in the Mojave Desert in California, the plant covers more than 360 hectares southwest of the Tehachapi and Piute mountains. The region, which is particularly sunny all year round, is highly conducive to this major project.

With more than 1.1 million thin-film solar panels, the Catalina project constitutes the largest photovoltaic power plant ever built by EDF Energies Nouvelles and ranks 8th in the world* in terms of installed capacity. Under construction since May 2012, the plant was gradually commissioned from December 2012.

The photovoltaic plant supplies the electricity produced to the operator San Diego Gas & Electric Company under a 25-year electricity sales contract.
EDF Renewable Energy's subsidiary, EDF Renewable Services, is responsible for its operation and maintenance.

“This emblematic achievement, built in an ideal environment for the production of solar energy, is a new reference for continuing our international development, in geographical areas with strong sunshine where the periods of production and consumption coincide,” declares Antoine Cahuzac , Managing Director of EDF Energies Nouvelles. “The commissioning of this flagship project in a limited time demonstrates the know-how and commitment of our teams.”

* Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance