Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (PBEC.OB) Launches Permit Process for 150MW Solar Farm

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | July 28 2010 11:15 AM

Pacific Blue Energy Corp., developer of renewable energy projects, is preparing for the permitting process for its recently acquired 100 acres in Gila Bend, Ariz., which it will use to develop its municipally approved 150MW solar farm. The purchase of the land is expected to be finalized in the near future.

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The company said the town’s solar overlay policy and solid support from town officials and staff have enabled the company to schedule completion of the first phase of the solar farm between two and four months vs. the typical two-year time frame.

“Our recent meeting with the town mayor and manager demonstrated their commitment to fast tracking this project,” Joel Franklin, CEO of PBEC stated in the press release. “We are excited about making the first phase of our Gila Bend solar farm a reality.”

PBEC is conducting an American Land Title Association study on the Gila Bend land to determines property lines, locate of improvements, and identify all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. The company expects the ALTA study to be completed by Friday, July 30, 2010.

PBEC has also initiated a phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment to identify the presence or risk of hazardous substances; this study is slated for completion in the first week of August.

Gila Bend Mayor Ron Henry said the solar farm will generate attention for Gila Bend, and will highlight the city’s solar friendly advantages.

“We are confident that PBEC’s solar project will continue to put the spotlight on Gila Bend as a place to develop renewable energy projects,” Mayor Henry stated. “We have identified the solar industry as a top priority in our economic development initiatives. Our land availability, affordability, rapid land entitlement process, and our unique geographic proximity to multi-modal transportation make Gila Bend the prime location for the solar industry.”

For more information visit http://www.pacificblueenergycorp.com