Largest Proposed Solar Plant Moves Forward in California
Wednesday, September 15th 2010 10:29 PM
By GetSolar Staff.
A 1,000-megawatt California solar power plant being developed by the German firms Solar Millennium and Ferrostaal AG received approval from the California Energy Commission on Wednesday, a major landmark in the effort to boost solar power generation in the United States.
The plant will be built on federal land in the California desert, comprising four units, each generating 250 megawatts. The total estimated cost is about $1.5 billion, and the joint Solar Trust hopes to get approval for guaranteed federal loans from the Department of Energy.
In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 2 million tons per year, the project will be beneficial for California's watershed - it's dry-cooled, so it uses 90 percent less water than a 'wet-cooled' facility. As a solar thermal power plant, it uses the heat of the sun to create steam from superheated liquids, rather than traditional photovoltaic modules.
'We are honored to receive formal approval today from the California Energy Commission,' said Josef Eichhammer, President of Solar Trust of America and the chief executive officer of Solar Millennium, LLC. 'Together with the State of California’s leadership we are committed to restoring the state as the global leader in renewable energy. This multi-billion dollar facility will be the largest solar generating facility in the world and will help solidify that reputation.'
The approval of the Blythe facility follows the approval of other major California solar installations, like the 250-megawatt Abengoa Mojave plant.
With solar power showing its benefits around the country, more ground-mounted and rooftop solar systems are being constructed for companies to take advantage of its perks. Rebates ...
Dow Solar recently expanded the availability of its Solar Shingle to homeowners in northern California.The Dow Solar Powerhouse Solar Shingle is a complete roofing system that prot ...
The city of Claremont, California, was recently honored for its numerous efforts to increase environmental standards and practices. The California Green Communities program honored ...
Two Manhattan Beach, California, schools were recently nominated for the new federal Green Ribbon Schools Award.The Environmental Charter High School and Grand View Elementary Scho ...
Subscribe
A 1,000-megawatt California solar power plant being developed by the German firms Solar Millennium and Ferrostaal AG received 
