Name and Location
Macho Springs solar power project, New Mexico, US.

Client
First Solar acquired the project from Element Power Solar in January.

Project Description
The Macho Springs project will be built using First Solar’s advanced thin-film photovoltaic modules on land leased from the New Mexico State Land Office.

The 50 MW solar array will realise immediate and very significant water savings over gas-fired or coal-fired generating plants and will also have zero air emissions.

The proposed power plant will generate enough clean energy to power more than 18 000 average-sized New Mexico homes, which use about 669 kWh of electricity a month.

The project will also displace more than 40 000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Electricity from the facility will be bought by El Paso Electric under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The project is expected to be completed in 2014.

Latest Developments
First Solar has been granted a PPA from the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission, clearing the way for the company to begin construction on the state’s largest solar power plant, on state trust land in Luna County.

The PPA will provide El Paso Electric Power with 50 MW of solar energy for 20 years.

First Solar has submitted its final development plan, which provides a site plan and specific mitigation plans and strategies, and it is obtaining various construction permits.

Once approved, construction is expected to begin in July.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
First Solar investor relations, tel +1 602 414 9315, fax +1 602 414 9415 or email investor@firstsolar.com.