Phoenix Technology Jobs Created by Alternative Energy
The influx of renewable-energy companies interested in Arizona could result in a slew of new Phoenix technology jobs and many other high-tech positions throughout the state.
According to a recent article from The Arizona Republic, applications have been submitted for more than 80 solar power and wind power plans throughout the state, which together are valued at tens of billions of dollars. If approved, those projects would create thousands of jobs and bring in an unprecedented amount of revenue and other economic benefits.
Of the 80 proposed solar and wind projects in Arizona, all the solar plants together would produce 13,622 megawatts of power, while all of the wind plants together would produce 9,194 megawatts of power.
That power will be much needed, as the Arizona Public Service Company expects the peak demand to reach 7,059 megawatts this summer, while the APS and Salt River Project systems expect to see a peak demand for 13,449 megawatts of power. At the same time, the megawatt capacity of Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is only 4,000.
However, many of the companies looking to bring their alternative energy solutions to Arizona are waiting on the state to implement new high-voltage transmission lines, which are necessary for companies to get their energy to customers. Developers and utilities throughout the state are still debating on where those lines will be located and who will pay to put them in.
The Salt River Project reports that alternative energy developers are looking to use about 70 parcels of Arizona land owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Arizona State Land Department, while the remainder of the projects will take place on private or tribal lands.
While companies are keeping tight-lipped about the details of specific projects until they are finalized, records show some well-known names are jumping on board, including France-based Areva, Spain-based Iberdrola Renewables, Tempe-based First Solar Inc., and Florida Power & Light Company.