On February 13, 2014, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the commercial operation of the 392 MW Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. Located in the Mojave Desert on the California-Nevada border, the project is the largest solar thermal power project in the world and represents nearly 30% of the solar thermal energy capacity in the United States.
Key Details
Implications
Concentrating solar power has a distinct advantage over solar PV and wind in that the energy can be stored and dispatched similar to conventional generation resources. However, future deployments will be limited because of concern over environmental impacts, high costs relative to other generation technologies, and restrictions to development in the arid Southwest (i.e., technology does not perform well in humid climates).
Further Information
WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304703804579379230641329484
SNL: http://www.snl.com/interactivex/article.aspx?id=26900044&KPLT=6
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