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| Photovoltaic panels used to collect solar energy. |
California is a pioneer in capturing the state's abundant sunshine for solar energy, as evidenced by recent California Solar Initiatives available through the California Public Utilities Commission to provide incentives for solar development on new and existing residential and commercial projects. On public lands managed by BLM California, solar development is just beginning, but holds significant promise. More information is available from the California Desert District.In the fall of 2005, two major investor-owned California utilities signed contracts with a solar energy company to construct and operate two solar energy facilities on public lands in central San Bernardino and western Imperial counties that would provide initially 800 megawatts of energy annually, with plans to increase their output to 1,750 megawatts. BLM is initiating the environmental review work necessary to consider these applications for rights-of-way on affected public lands.
BLM, in conjunction with the California Energy Commission, is currently processing applications for three solar thermal power plants and shared infrastructure on federal lands located in the Ivanpah Valley, approximately 5 miles southwest of Primm, Nevada, and directly northwest of Interstate Highway 15. The proposed project (shown in the artists conceptual illustration, courtesy of Bright Source Energy Partners) would be constructed in three phases: two 100-megawatt (MW) phases (designated Ivanpah 1 and Ivanpah 2), followed by a 200-MW phase (Ivanpah 3.) The three plants are collectively designated as the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. Additional Information on this and other projects is also available from the California Energy Commission Website: http://www.energy.ca.gov/siting/solar/index.html
Demands in California are generating new interest in renewable energy leasing and development
on federal lands.
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