The US’s $2.2 Billion Iconic Solar Power Plant is Shutting Down: But Why?

The $2.2 billion Ivanpah Photo voltaic Energy Facility in California, USA, might be shut down in 2026. The rationale cited for the plant’s closure is excessive prices.

The $2.2 billion Ivanpah Photo voltaic Energy Facility, positioned within the US state of California, might be closed in 2026. The ability, which has an iconic look with its three 140-meter-tall towers, started operations in 2014. The rationale cited for the plant’s closure is excessive prices.

Not like the photovoltaic (PV) panel solar energy vegetation generally used immediately, Ivanpah operates with Concentrated Photo voltaic Energy (CSP) know-how. The ability’s 173,500 computer-controlled mirrors (heliostats) replicate daylight onto a receiver atop the towers, the place the heated fluid runs a steam turbine to generate electrical energy. With a capability of 392 MW, Ivanpah was the world’s largest photo voltaic plant when it opened and generated nice hopes with its know-how.

It Was Deliberate to Function Till 2039

Nonetheless, as a result of speedy improvement of photovoltaic methods and the numerous drop of their prices, CSP know-how has turn into economically unviable. PG&E, the primary buyer and power firm, introduced that it terminated its energy buy settlement with Ivanpah at first of 2025. The settlement was truly a long-term contract scheduled to run till 2039, nevertheless it was ended early as a result of excessive price of electrical energy manufacturing. This know-how, as soon as thought of groundbreaking, is now seen as a product of a previous period within the evolution of photo voltaic power.

Along with its price, the Ivanpah facility has additionally been a topic of controversy as a consequence of its environmental influence. It’s estimated that roughly 6,000 birds die yearly as a result of intense warmth created by the mirrors as they fly between the towers and the mirrors. Moreover, drivers on Interstate 15 have complained in regards to the vivid glare mirrored from the mirrors.

An official plan for the way forward for the land after the ability’s closure has not but been introduced. Nonetheless, its proprietor, NRG Power, is contemplating the potential of repurposing the world with cheaper and extra environment friendly photovoltaic methods.

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