Massive Solar Power Plants Planned For The US

America's plans to have one of the largest solar power plants in the world just got much closer.

The Spanish engineering firm Abengoa has announced that it's agreed a deal with the Arizona Public Service (APS) Company to build the largest concentrating solar plant in the whole world about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It will be one of the first cases where a utility relies on solar power for its day-to-day operations.

Although it will cost $1 billion, it will generate 280 MW of electricity and be capable of powering around 80,000 homes in just three years time.

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There will be huge benefits to the local population as well. Not only will they enjoy clean and renewable energy but the building of the plant will create 1,500 Construction jobs.

Another 85 people will be the full-time employees needed to run the plant.

There will be 75% less water used on the the plant compared with the existing alfalfa farm.

Unlike most solar energy, Solana will use the sun's heat, not its light, to produce power. It can get as hot as 120 degrees in the summer.

Abengoa CEO Santiago Seage said the plant will use thousands of giant mirrors to harness the sun's heat. That will heat up liquids, which will spin turbines - just like coal or other power plants but without the pollution.

He said using heat will allow the plant to produce power even after the sun has gone down.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano concluded that these sort of solar power plants will make the state a solar powerhouse.

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