NREL Recognized for Work on Denver Federal Center's Solar Park

July 2, 2008

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Rocky Mountain Region officially dedicated the Denver Federal Center's (DFC) $6.9 million solar park on June 26. NREL director Dan Arvizu spoke at the ceremony on behalf of Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. Otto VanGeet of NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis and Applications Center was recognized for his technical support to GSA through the Federal Energy Management Program.

"The successful launch of this solar park helps move the federal government one step closer to the national goal of changing the way we power our buildings by using clean, secure, renewable electricity," said Arvizu.

Completed in January 2008, the park produces 10% of the DFC's peak electrical energy demand. The park is composed of 6,192 individual photovoltaic solar panels with the combined ability to produce 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of energy each year. This energy output reduces the amount of CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere by 1,244 metric tons and negates the need for 6.5 railcars of coal every day.

"The solar park is a perfect example of how the federal government is collaborating with its industry partners in embracing green technology," said GSA Rocky Mountain Regional Administrator Leslie Plomondon. "The project promotes efforts to use clean, renewable energy."