Tri-Cities Tech Business Update
Richland breaks ground on solar project
Richland's electric utility is working to add solar power to its grid in order to fulfill a requirement of a clean energy initiative passed by WA state voters in 2006. Electric utilities with 25,000 or more customers are required to use "eligible renewable resources" to meet a portion of its load -- 3 percent by 2012, 9 percent by 2016 and 20 percent by 2020. Twelve to 15 solar power generators, made by Infinia, a Kennewick-based energy technology company, will be connected to the city's power grid. Two of the dishes will be purchased and owned by the Tri-Cities Research District. The generators use concentrated sunlight with Infinia's free-piston Stirling engine to generate electricity. More information.
