Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

Definition

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is a large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) facility located in California's Mojave Desert, utilizing thousands of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto boilers atop tall towers, generating steam to drive turbines for electricity production. It represents a significant advancement in CSP technology and showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy generation, reflecting both historical progress and current trends in the renewable energy sector.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ivanpah plant has a total capacity of 392 megawatts, making it one of the largest CSP facilities in the world.
2. It consists of three solar thermal power plants, with the first unit operational since 2014, employing over 300,000 mirrors.
3. The facility was developed by BrightSource Energy and has partnerships with NRG Energy and Google.
4. Ivanpah uses a unique design called 'power tower' technology, which focuses sunlight on a receiver at the top of a tower to generate steam.
5. The project faced criticism for its environmental impact on local wildlife and its high initial costs compared to other energy sources.

Review Questions

• How does the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System illustrate the advancements in CSP technology over time?
  • The Ivanpah system showcases significant advancements in CSP technology through its innovative use of power tower design and thousands of mirrors that effectively concentrate sunlight. Its ability to generate substantial amounts of electricity highlights improvements in efficiency and scale within the industry. This facility also represents a culmination of lessons learned from earlier CSP projects, demonstrating enhanced capabilities in energy production that can meet growing demand for renewable energy.
• What role does Ivanpah play in the analysis of operational CSP plants worldwide and their contributions to renewable energy?
  • Ivanpah serves as a pivotal case study for analyzing operational CSP plants globally due to its scale and design. Its performance metrics provide valuable insights into the viability of CSP technology as a competitive energy source. By comparing Ivanpah with other operational facilities, analysts can assess challenges such as cost efficiency and environmental impact while evaluating how such projects contribute to increasing renewable energy capacity and meeting sustainability goals.
• Evaluate the implications of Ivanpah’s environmental impact concerns on future CSP project developments.
  • The environmental impact concerns surrounding Ivanpah, particularly regarding local wildlife and habitat disruption, have prompted a critical evaluation of future CSP projects. These implications highlight the need for comprehensive environmental assessments prior to development, balancing renewable energy goals with ecological preservation. Future projects may incorporate more advanced technologies or alternative site selections to mitigate negative impacts while still achieving substantial clean energy outputs, thus shaping the direction of CSP developments moving forward.

Related terms

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): A technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity.

Thermal Energy Storage: A system that stores heat generated by CSP plants, allowing them to produce electricity even when the sun isn't shining.

Renewable Portfolio Standard:

A regulatory mandate that requires a certain percentage of energy to be generated from renewable sources, promoting the adoption of solar and other renewables.