SolarReserve, a U.S. developer of utility-scale solar power projects, has received approval from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to build and operate of the Rice Solar Energy Project.
150MW California Concentrated Solar Power Farm Approved
These days California is creating such a bank of solar generation wealth in terms of job creation and free clean energy that the announcement of yet another large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) station is almost a “ho- hum” news story.
But this latest 150 megawatt CSP project, all part of California’s aim of hitting its 33 percent renewable energy target by 2020, is different in that the facility utilises advanced molten salt technology like batteries to store excess power when the sun isn’t shining, providing and uninterrupted flow of electricity to the community.
SolarReserve, a U.S. developer of utility-scale solar power projects, has received approval from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to build and operate of the Rice Solar Energy Project.
Often called “game changing,” molten salt system technology would enable the Rice solar farm to store enough thermal solar energy each morning when the sun is hottest to run at full capacity throughout the afternoon and for eight hours after sunset. Each year the CSP station will produce about 450,000 megawatts (MW) of emissions-free electricity, enough to power 68,000 homes.
Over 5,500 direct and induced jobs will result from the solar farm, according to CEC Chairwoman Karen Doulgas.
“Today is a bright day for California. By approving the Rice Solar Energy Project, California continues to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to support clean, renewable energy. These solar projects will reinvigorate our economy and bring jobs to hard-hit communities. As we look to harness more renewable sources of energy by 2020, California leads the nation by embracing the power of the sun.”
