Construction of the two-phase 170-MW solar energy facility included installation of more than 875,000 solar panels, 15,000 tons of steel, 40 miles of cable tray and 425 miles of AC and DC cabling. Despite more than 700,000 construction hours, there were no lost-time accidents and no recordable incidents. To ensure a “safety-first” mind-set, Fluor instituted numerous programs, including comprehensive site orientation, a worker environmental education program and accident prevention procedures. The project team emphasized the engagement of subcontractors, including ongoing training and continuous improvement initiatives that integrated trade workers into Fluor’s safety culture. Because of average summer temperatures of 110°F, a heat illness prevention program addressed access to water and shade, emergency communications and training. “The team was keenly aware and proactive of their working environment,” one judge noted.

Centinela Solar Energy Project

Calexico

Key Players
Owner LS Power
Lead Design Firm and Contractor Fluor
Subcontractors Trina; MEMC; Bonfiglioli; Array Technologies