In an effort to tap the significant solar energy resources of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, Texas and Colorado, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will support efforts to install a total of 1000 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems over the next several years.

“This exciting initiative will provide a substantial engine for economic development, job creation, air quality improvements and new nonpolluting sources of electricity supply for the region,” acting Under Secretary of Energy David Garman said. “The federal long-term goal is to lower the cost of CSP technology to 7 cents/kWh from the current cost of 12 to 14 cents/kWh.”

Through a five-year cooperative, cost-shared agreement first proposed by the Western Governor's Association (WGA), the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will provide US$90,000 for the first year along with the expertise and best technical information about CSP systems for the five-year span of this agreement. DOE's support will allow the participating states to achieve the WGA goal of new power purchase agreements for 1000 MW of CSP — enough energy to power 150,000 homes each year — in the southwestern states by 2010.
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