Situation
Industrial power developer MMR Power Solutions was presented with an opportunity to develop a large solar photovoltaic project on 1,400 acres of land in Southern California’s Imperial Valley. While MMR is a specialist in electrical power generation and co-generation plants, developing a solar photovoltaic energy generation project was a new venture for the company. They did not have the staff expertise needed to make the project a success. To seize the opportunity, MMR needed to either hire or contract for a technical expert with solar development experience, someone who could hit the ground running and help them develop a successful project, achieve high performance, and understand the business and financial implications for MMR.
Solution
Loria Emerging Energy Consulting was brought in to provide technical and commercial expertise in solar photovoltaic development. Coming to the table with the business acumen and communications skills required to shepherd the project, Loria’s role expanded to include a full range of development assistance for the solar farm. “Dennis, in essence, ended up leading the project,” says MMR Darryl Sockwell. That included coordinating third-party engineering and permitting support, supporting EPC contract negotiations, and leading plant configuration studies to optimize performance.
Results
The Mount Signal Solar Project was successfully developed and expanded. MMR has since sold its Mount Signal project to another party. At the time it comes online in 2013, it will be one of the largest solar photovoltaic power plants in the world.
