Commission Recommends Approval for Massive Ivanpah Solar Plant
Thursday, August 5th 2010 5:51 PM
By GetSolar Staff.
The staff of the California Energy Commission recommended that the full commission approve BrightSource Energy's proposal to build an enormous solar thermal plant near the Nevada border. The facility, collectively called Ivanpah, would comprise three California solar installations generating 392 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.
Industry projections put the cost of the plant at about $1.1 billion; fortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally agreed to provide $1.37 billion in guaranteed loan financing. Construction would be conducted by the giant engineering firm Bechtel, creating over 1,000 jobs in the region during construction.
"We look forward to a final decision from the Commission when we can begin constructing the Ivanpah project, providing good jobs for the High Desert community, producing clean energy for the state's homes and businesses and creating a model for environmentally responsible energy projects," said John Woolward, the president and chief executive officer of BrightSource.
The staff recommendation begins a 30-day period during which the public can comment on the plans. The full CEC will then make a final decision; BrightSource also awaits approval from the federal Bureau of Land Management.
The firm hopes to begin construction this autumn. Once complete, BrightSource plans to sell the power under two separate contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison, California's major utilities.
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The staff of the California Energy Commission 
