Energizing Development: San Antonio and its municipal utility join forces to establish a clean technology cluster

Job growth drives San Antonio's push for renewable energy and cleaner air is a beneficial byproduct. Since two recent mayors have embraced this approach, the country's seventh-largest city has developed a unique business ecosphere. Political leaders hope early gains will make San Antonio a leader in the "New Energy Economy." Using the purchasing power of CPS Energy - among the largest municipally owned utilities - the city convinced four clean tech companies to relocate to San Antonio in June, while a fifth company, SunEdison, will open a local office to support a 30-megawatt solar project. Each company is expected to bring jobs and contribute financially to education programs and research in exchange for long-term business deals with the utility and city.