Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Starwood Energy?

Starwood Energy (Starwood) is an affiliate of the international investment firm, Starwood Capital Group. Starwood has experience in the development and construction of solar and natural gas-fired generating facilities. Since 2006, Starwood and affiliates have begun operating seven solar power generating projects and have additional projects under construction. Starwood continues to pursue additional opportunities for energy projects.

What is the project?

Starwood is planning to construct and operate a solar-thermal electric generating facility in western Maricopa County, Arizona, which will generate 290 megawatts of clean electrical power. The project will be called Starwood Solar I.

What is a solar-thermal electric generating facility and how does it work?

Multiple lines of solar reflectors focus the sun’s heat, which eventually is used to convert water to steam. The steam will power conventional turbine generators, providing a clean, renewable source of electricity.

What other facilities will be constructed as part of the project?

The project also will include administrative buildings, steam turbine generators, evaporation ponds, cooling towers, a thermal energy storage system that will use molten salt, and a transmission line with ancillary equipment. The transmission line is proposed to connect with the approved Delany substation, which is approximately 4 miles east of the project site.

How long would it take to construct the solar generating facility?

Subject to all necessary local, state, and federal approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in 2011 with the project in full operation in 2014.

What would the solar generating facility look like?

Starwood Solar I will include about 3,500 rows of solar reflectors oriented from north to south to allow the reflectors to track with the sun; each row would be approximately 100 meters long.

Where would the solar generating facility be located?

The solar generating facility will be located on approximately 1,900 acres in the Harquahala Valley in unincorporated Maricopa County, approximately 75 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona.

Why was this location selected?

The climate and availability of direct sunlight provides an optimal location for this project. In addition, the project would be located near an existing power generating facility. The site was selected because a large amount of flat land is available, it is close to existing infrastructure (transmission lines, electrical substations, access roads), and it has sufficient water resources.

What is the need for this solar generating facility?

A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a state policy that requires electricity providers to obtain a minimum percentage of their power from renewable energy sources by a certain date. Many western states, including Arizona, have implemented such a standard. Electric utilities are under growing pressure to expand delivery of clean, renewable power to satisfy both RPS requirements and consumer demand for more environmentally friendly power. This project will contribute to meeting that need.

What type of job opportunities would be created by the solar generating facility?

This project will provide up to 75 long-term job opportunities in the supervisory, general, administrative, and operations and maintenance fields. Construction and operations plans are to use the local labor force and contractors as much as possible. The engineering and construction of the generating facility would create an up to 1,000 jobs over the construction period.

How would the solar generating facility benefit the community?

• Job creation
• Increased local and state tax revenue
• Educational benefits to local students
• Energy independence and security
• A reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions

What environmental studies are required for this project?

Environmental studies have been conducted to describe the project area and potential effects of the project on natural, cultural, and human (i.e., land use) resources. These studies were described in an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC), which is required by Arizona Revised Statute § 40-360-360. The Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee conducted public hearings on the project and issued a CEC. The CEC was reviewed by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which affirmed the CEC.

What other permits will be required for the project?

In addition to the state CEC, Starwood Solar I will require several approvals at the state and local level prior to construction, including approvals from Maricopa County for changes to the land use.

How much noise would the solar facility generate?

Impacts from audible noise are expected to be minimal. As required by state statute, noise impacts have beed identified and discussed in the CEC application.

What will be the source of the water used for the project? How much water will the project use?

It is anticipated that the Starwood Solar I facility would use considerably less water than current agricultural operations. The facility will replace a melon farm that uses both ground water and Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. Starwood Solar I would use ground water for operations including running the steam turbine generators and mirror washing.

How do I provide comments on the project? What if I have a question?

Starwood has established a website (www.starwoodsolar.com) and phone line (602-648-2448) to allow for the public to ask questions and provide comments on the project. In addition, Starwood will mail informational newsletters to residents and property owners in the project area. A public meeting also will be held to give the public an opportunity to meet project team members and discuss the project. Up-to-date information regarding the project and public involvement activities will be posted on the website.