Solar debate turns to water in Arizona

The latest brouhaha over solar power in Arizona isn’t about financing or land; it’s about water — and how much will be used.

U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., is at odds with the Arizona Corporation Commission and solar proponents saying one of the main solar power generating technologies will use more water than traditional power sources. Industry experts contend that solar uses the same amount of water, in some cases, less than standard generation.

Kyl said subsidies that encourage utility-scale solar development don’t take into account water use. He wants to nix subsidies for high-water use technologies, similar to those that would go into the Solana Generating Station in Gila Bend.

“Solar subsidies at the federal and state level and Arizona’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, however, do not make this distinction,” he said. “Eliminating conventional concentrated solar power’s eligibility for these subsidies and mandates would encourage the use of these low-water use solar technologies that are currently available.”

Kyl’s office last month released a report questioning the amount of water needed for solar power plants being planned for utility-scale power and what steps the state should take to protect its water resources.

Kyl says there are too many projects planned in the western part of Arizona that will export power, primarily to California.

Read the full story in the Phoenix Business Journal.