Federal government backs three major alternative energy projects that could shape the country’s future

The Obama administration announced last month, two new alternative energy projects that could help the nation reach its sustainability goals.

The two projects are a solar initiative in Arizona, called the Sonoran Solar Energy Project, which will generate more than 300 megawatts of electricity and a wind project in California, called Tule Wind Project, which will generate 190 megawatts of electricity. Each project will occupy public land and will help modernize the nation’s energy grid as well as supply it with clean electricity.

The federal government has also begun planning an offshore wind transmissions line that would funnel the electricity generated by offshore wind turbines to the mainland along the East Coast. Google has invested heavily in the project and, if it comes to fruition, could bring more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity to the eastern U.S. The government has yet to form any definitive plan for the project, but has begun negotiations that could make it a reality.

Construction of the two new energy sites in both Arizona and California will begin later this year.

Both projects are expected to be fully operational some time in 2014 and will be able to power more than 2.2 million homes at that time. The projects will also replace 18 coal power plants. These plants may be converted into alternative energy facilities, should the government choose to repurpose the facilities.

Both projects are expected to create 12,000 new construction jobs as well as thousands of permanent ones for those trained in the ways of alternative energy.