Abilene firm to build solar power plant in Florida

clipped from www.worldofrenewables.com Lauren Engineers & Constructors announced Thursday the Abilene-based company recently signed a contract to build the world's second-largest solar thermal power plant The contract with Florida Power & Light calls for Lauren to work as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the 75-megawatt concentrated solar power plant near Indiantown, Fla. The project is estimated to cost between $550 million and $600 million. Kevin Porter, Lauren Engineers' vice president of human resources, said the company has hired 10 professionals locally to work on the project. Additionally, Porter said, 10 existing Lauren employees have been assigned to work on the job -- and that more Abilene and Big Country workers, albeit an unknown number, may join the 1,000 people working on the project in Florida. Porter said there may be a need for additional staff in its Abilene office.