The Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California is set to close two of its three units, marking a significant failure in renewable energy efforts and a financial waste of $2.2 billion. This facility, which occupies nearly 3,500 acres of the Mojave Desert, was once hailed as a shining example of solar energy innovation but is now seen as a costly mistake.
• Overview of Ivanpah: The plant, launched in December 2013, was designed to use concentrated thermal technology with mirrors to produce solar energy. It was expected to operate effectively for 25 years but is now set to close prematurely.
• Performance Issues: Despite promises, Ivanpah has failed to deliver on its energy production goals. It was supposed to generate one million megawatt-hours of power annually but averaged only about 70% of that amount. The energy costs were significantly higher than those from other sources, such as photovoltaic solar and natural gas plants.
• Utility Decisions: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) plans to end its contracts with Ivanpah 14 years early, claiming it would save money for customers. Southern California Edison, which operates another unit, is also in talks to exit its agreement.
• Criticism of Energy Policy: Critics argue that the collapse of Ivanpah demonstrates the problems with allowing political agendas to dictate energy choices rather than relying on market forces. Jason Isaac, an energy analyst, believes that the focus should be on utilizing traditional energy sources like oil and natural gas instead of unproven technologies.
• Nuclear Energy Comparison: The article contrasts the struggling Ivanpah facility with the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, California's last nuclear facility, which produces clean, reliable energy efficiently. Diablo Canyon has prompted consideration for continued operations due to its success and environmental benefits.
The impending closure of the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility signals a failure of California's ambitious renewable energy initiatives. It raises important questions about energy policy, market viability, and the role of governmental intervention in energy production. With its limitations, many experts suggest a shift back to proven energy sources, including nuclear power, as a sustainable solution for the state's energy needs.
https://spectator.org/solar-plant-closure-is-latest-sign-californias-green-agenda-isnt-working/
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