West Coast Getting More Renewable Energy

On Monday, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. stated it would buy the first 10 megawatts generated by the El Dorado Energy solar plant in Nevada, owned by Sempra Generation. This plant is the largest thin-film solar project in North America. (Reuters)

Established near Boulder City, Nev., this plant utilizes ultra-thin solar panels, and will provide PG&E with enough electricity to power 3,360 homes annually. (SFGate)

"We are pleased to partner with Sempra Generation as we add renewable resources to our power mix and continue to provide some of the cleanest energy in the nation," said Jack Keenan, chief operating officer for PG&E.

In addition, PG&E will purchase cow gas from Texas. The gas originates from cow manure, and Microgy, the plant's owner, plans to build several similar plants in Calif. As a result, PG&E will be able to provide 50,000 Calif. homes with enough gas.

California law requires that by 2010, PG&E and the state's other large utilities must have 20 percent of their electricity coming from renewable sources. Experts say the U.S. will potentially become the world's biggest solar power market.