Continuing a trend that has characterized the second half of 2010, the California Energy Commission approved two more utility-scale solar power plants, totaling 650 megawatts (MWs). The newly approved plants use solar-thermal technology, generating electricity by converting solar radiation into heat energy that then creates steam that powers a turbine.
Both plants are in the desert of eastern Riverside County, and because they impinge on federal lands must still get sign-off from the U.S. Department of the Interior before construction can begin. That, however, might be a foregone conclusion. While the California commission has been on a solar roll lately, licensing nine plants totaling 4,142.5 MWs since August, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has been keeping up, approving eight plants since early October. The commission said it expects the necessary federal approvals for the two projects licensed this week in early 2011.
Solar Millennium is behind the Palen Solar Power Project, a 500-MW project proposed for a spot halfway between Indio and Blythe. Palen, as planned, will actually consist of two 250-MW plants using the company’s parabolic trough system.
The Rice Solar Energy Project, meanwhile, is set for private land 30 miles northwest of Blythe. Developer SolarReserve said it plans to use what’s known as a tower system, in which a large field of tracking mirrors focus the sun’s thermal energy on a central tower. The system also uses molten salt to retain the heat captured during the day in order to continue producing energy well after sunset if needed, the company said.
Looking for green gadget gift ideas for this holiday season? We have you covered with our annual Green Gadgets Holiday Gift Guide – check it out now!