A solar tower planned to rise just 100 ft shy of the world's tallest building took a major step forward with the selection of Phoenix-based contractor Hensel Phelps Construction Co. as construction services provider under a guaranteed maximum price.
EnviroMission USA, a subsidiary of Australian renewable energy firm EnviroMission Ltd., is developing the estimated $750-million project, to be built on a site in La Paz County near Quartzite, Ariz. While the Australian division of design engineer Arup is still working out exact details, Chris Davey, EnviroMission USA's president, says the 426-ft-dia. tower is expected to reach approximately 2,600 ft into the Arizona sky. The great height is necessary to attain a sufficient temperature differential to propel air with enough force to drive the turbines.