Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated Abengoa Solar Inc. for receiving a $1.45 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the loan will make possible the financing, construction and start-up of the Solana Generating Station, which will be the largest in the world when construction is complete.

The finished power plant will be able to power 70,000 homes. The 250-megawatt plant will provide energy to Arizona Public Service Co., diversifying the range of power sources available to the Arizona power grid. The site is about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix near Gila Bend, Ariz.

“This is a great example of the federal government’s ability to stimulate the economy, create jobs and move toward the green economy we need,” said Grijalva. “Green energy and technology initiatives help our state and the American economy and build a foundation for sustainable job growth. Preserving our natural resources and providing affordable power to tens of thousands of Arizonans is a great public service, and I thank Abengoa for pursuing this project.”

The energy produced will emit 475,000 fewer tons of greenhouse gases than traditional energy sources. Using a parabolic trough solar collection and six-hour thermal energy storage system, technology never before used in the United States, the plant will create an estimated 1,600 local jobs and lay the groundwork for future energy investment projects around the state.

For more information, call Abengoa at (480) 706-0200.