Washington Utility Plans 500-Kilowatt Solar Power Project

January 10, 2007

Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the largest utility in Washington State, is planning to build the largest solar power project in the Pacific Northwest. The company issued a request for proposals (RFP) on December 4th for a 500-kilowatt solar power project located on eight acres at the site of its Wild Horse Wind Project in Kittitas County. PSE intends for the project to start generating power later this year, but leaves open the question of which solar technology to use, specifically listing specifications for solar photovoltaic systems, dish/engine systems, and parabolic troughs. Proposals are due by February 1st. See the PSE press release and RFP.

PSE announced on January 4th that the Wild Horse Wind Project began producing power in late December. The 127 turbines atop Whisky Dick Mountain—east of Ellensburg near the state's center—can produce up to 229 megawatts of wind power. See the PSE press release.