Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has entered into a series of contracts with BrightSource Energy Inc. for a total of 1.31 GW of solar thermal power. Covering seven projects, these new agreements supersede those the companies executed in April 2008, which called for up to 900 MW of solar thermal power.

The first of these solar power plants, sized at 110 MW and located in Ivanpah, Calif., is contracted to begin operation in 2012. BrightSource says it will build and place in commercial operation each of its plants as quickly as permitting and infrastructure allow. Collectively, the seven projects are expected to produce 3,666 GWh hours of power each year.

SOURCE: PG&E