Solar Partnership Could Spawn Silicon Valley in Nevada

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Amoco Corp. and Enron Corp. announced the move, saying they hope to also establish a $30 million solar cell manufacturing plant in Southern Nevada.

"It can spawn a real Silicon Valley here," said Bob Kelly, co-chairman of Amoco/Enron Solar.

Plans call for building a 10-megawatt power plant capable of supplying enough electricity for 2,200 homes.

It would be the largest such solar power plant in the world, at least initially. The company also plans to build a major solar plant in the desert of northwest India.

The two companies were brought together by the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, a non-profit Nevada group that promotes economic development through solar projects.

Sen. Richard Bryan, chairman of the Nevada corporation, said Tuesday's announcement "brings Nevada another step closer to becoming the premier solar resource center of the country."