NRG Uses Sun to Cool Phoenix Light Rail Riders

摘要

NRG Thermal LLC has built an innovative system that uses solar power and its downtown Phoenix, Ariz., district cooling system to provide cooling to the seating areas of the city's popular 3rd Street/Washington METRO light rail station. Ready in time for the Major League Baseball All-Star game held in Phoenix in July, the system will operate May through September annually, when summer temperatures often exceed 110 degrees F. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon had experienced a similar system during a business trip to Dubai and brought the idea back home. "NRG took the ball and ran with it, investing its money and expertise to make this happen," he said. The project is the first use of solar energy on the Phoenix light rail system, and METRO Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta said he was hopeful it can lead to other solar opportunities along the line in the future.