World Power Plants

Ranked as the 1660th largest power generation facility in the United States, Mesquite Solar 3 LLC plays a modest yet significant role in the expanding solar landscape of the country. With a capacity of 150 MW, this facility stands as the 38th largest solar plant among 3,289 solar facilities in the United States, showcasing the growing reliance on renewable energy sources in a nation that predominantly runs on gas. Mesquite Solar 3 was commissioned in 2017 by Consolidated Edison Development Inc., and its strategic location near Phoenix, Arizona, highlights its importance in the local energy grid. This solar facility employs advanced photovoltaic technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity, which is then fed into the power grid. Its 150 MW capacity contributes a small but meaningful 0.01% to the national energy capacity of approximately 1,386,385 MW, derived from a total of 10,047 power plants across the country. This positions Mesquite Solar 3 among the renewable energy sources that are gradually transforming the energy mix in the U.S., despite the overwhelming dominance of natural gas. In proximity to Mesquite Solar 3, several other significant power generation facilities exist, creating a diverse energy landscape. The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, which boasts an impressive capacity of 4,209.6 MW, stands out as the largest nuclear facility in the vicinity. Additionally, the Harquahala Generating Project, with a capacity of 1,325.1 MW, and the Red Hawk facility, generating 1,140 MW, rely on natural gas. These nearby plants illustrate the competitive energy environment, where solar energy is carving out its space amidst traditional fossil fuels and nuclear power. As the U.S. continues to seek innovative solutions for its energy needs, Mesquite Solar 3 LLC represents a step towards a more sustainable future. The facility not only contributes to reducing carbon emissions but also highlights the growing viability of solar energy in a country where gas remains the dominant fuel source. Looking ahead, the role of such renewable facilities is expected to expand, driving both environmental benefits and economic opportunities in the region. With ongoing advancements in solar technology and increasing investment in renewable projects, plants like Mesquite Solar 3 are setting the stage for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Capacity
150 MW
Commissioning Year
2017

9 years old

Owner
Consolidated Edison Development Inc.
Location
33.3476°, -112.9368°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,711. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,356 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #170 of 11,042 Solar plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

9 years in operation

Solar fleet average: 10.4 years

Operator portfolio

Consolidated Edison Development Inc. operates 64 plants totalling 2,633 MW

Regional density

53 plants within 100 km, 21,883 MW combined

Nearest plant: Mesquite Solar 2 LLC (2.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 33.347600, -112.936800
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Mesquite Solar 3 LLC is a solar power plant producing approximately 237 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~41 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Solar
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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