Ocotillo
- State
- Arizona
- County
- Maricopa County
- City
- Tempe
- Postal Code
- 85281
- Location
- 1500 East University Drive
- Phone
- 602-371-6767
- Fax
- aps.com
Ocotillo uses wood waste biomass to generate electricity. Ocotillo offered companies that had wood as a byproduct for rent-free space for their production. Ocotillo also got a loan from Arizona Power Service to contract the power plant.
The Ocotillo is located at 1500 East University Drive, Tempe, Arizona, 85281, sitting on 133 acres. Ocotillo started its operation in 2005. To learn more about the Ocotillo, you can reach them at 602-371-6767 or fax ataps.com.
Benefits of Renewable Energy
Arizona is encouraging power plant companies to produce electricity through renewable energy sources. Here are some benefits of this change for Arizona state:
1. Minimized global warming
Using renewable energy sources such as biomass reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the Tempe air.
2. Healthier people
The pollution that the natural gasses and coal release during electricity production poses a risk to Tempe and Arizona State people’s health. They could lead to cancer, breath problems, tuberculosis, and an increase in mortality.
3. Employment opportunities
The opening of new power plants is creating Tempe and Arizona State job opportunities for many people.
The use of renewable energy sources reduces the amount of water and oil pollution and thus improves Tempe and Arizona environment people live in.
Challenges of Using Renewable Energy Sources
1. Reliability
Resources such as wood for Ocotillo are not always available.
2. Not enough electricity
The amount of electricity the Ocotillo produces using renewable energy is still not enough for the market.
3. High Start-up Cost
The cost to start a renewable power plant like Ocotillo is very high. It is a challenge to access loans from financial institutions because of the risk involved.
4. Misconceptions
Non-renewable energy has been in Tempe for a long time, and it is all Tempe and Arizona people know. It is challenging to convince many Tempe and Arizona people that renewable energy is good and efficient. Also, misconceptions about this type of energy discourage Tempe and Arizona people from trying this new technology.
Directions
Refer the map below to find the driving directions.