US airport signs solar power deal
Tucson Airport, in the United States, has agreed a deal which will allow some of its land to be used for the generation of solar power.
The Tuscon Airport Authority (TAA) has approved a 20-year lease with Tucson Electric Power (TEP) for 50 acres south of the terminal to allow construction of a 5-megawatt photovoltaic array.
TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin said: "This is really a triple win for Tucson. The project is a compatible use for airport property, it is adjacent to a major power distribution site for TEP and it will generate power for residents in Pima County."
Solon has been selected to carry out the construction and the array is expected to be operational by the end of 2011.
US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords said, "The collaboration between Tucson Airport Authority and Tucson Electric Power Co. is another clear indication of the great strides our state is making to harness the power of the sun and put it to work for us. This announcement is very good news for consumers, airport users and Arizona's growing solar energy industry.
"Once the solar array becomes operational, the airport will be part of an impressive number of solar installations here in Tucson. The sun is our state's greatest natural resource."
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