The first of these solar thermal power plants, sized at 110 MW and located in Ivanpah, California, is contracted to begin operation in 2012. All 7 projects are expected to produce a total of 3666 GWh of solar thermal power each year.

John Woolard, Chief Executive Officer of BrightSource Energy, says: “Our technology is setting the bar for efficient production of solar energy. We’re thrilled by the opportunity to help PG&E and other leaders bring energy customers more clean and reliable solar energy.”

The solar thermal power purchase agreements for the 7 solar thermal projects supersede the agreements PG&E executed with BrightSource in April 2008 for up to 900 MW of solar thermal power.