And American desert He has witnessed a project that promised to bring about a revolution in the energy sector, but is now lost in nothing. It went so badly that life and thousands of millions were lost. To understand the plot 100%, it is useful to clarify what thermal solar technology is. Many can confuse it with conventional solar energy, but it is not.
This type of technology uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight, producing heat that generates steam to stimulate a turbine and produce electricity.
Fotovoltaic panels (PV), on the other hand, transform sunlight directly into electricity with the help of semiconductor materials. Although thermal energy on solar energy can include energy storage with melted salts, photovoltaic energy is often cheaper, efficient and easy to climb.
The use of this type of energy and others that we thought were forgotten by the worsened need that the world must find new forms of energy supply. The main reason is the strong impact on the environment that is left by fossil fuels that force us to look for alternatives to meet the growing energy demand.
A desert of the United States witnessed the worst energy lamp: it cost lives
11 years ago the world thought he had the greatest solar energy plant before his eyes, but now that dream disappears. The project that promised to go further that we had ever seen will close quickly. It may not be more affordable with the pressure of sustainable energy. Moreover, environmental activists always blame the plant Mojave desert To end the lives of thousands of birds and turtles.
Birds, attracted by the light that releases thermal solar technology, are approaching the devices and perish them in the attempt. The Ivanpah Solar Energy Plant It was formally opened in 2014 in about 5 square miles of federal land near the border between California y Nevada.
Although he was praised at the time as a decisive project to continue in the clean energy sector, over time he experienced problems to be at the same height as other solar technologies. These kinds of scenarios have resulted in the projection of deserts as instruments for “bombing” clouds.
The desert of the United States was the scene of a large solar project: now that dream falls apart
Pacific Gas & Electric He presented through the agreement for which he had reached the owners, including he was NRG Energy Inc. They were determined that they had to suppress their contracts with the factory of Ivanpah.
If the supervisors finally approve this measure, from next year they would be almost two of the three units of the factory, when the projections were that their activity was extended until 2039.
‘PG&E It is determined that it is currently putting an end to the agreements will save money at the moment, the company said on its website. On the other hand, South California Edisondedicated to buying the rest of the energy of three units, is negotiating with the owners and the Ministry of Energy of the United States The purchase of your contract Ivanpah.
Ivanpah, the solar project in the desert in which billions were lost
In 2011, the United States Department of Energy (Do)under the presidency of Barack Obamaawarded $ 1600 million in loan guarantees on financing Ivanpah. Beyond more than a decade, Ivanpah It is about to close two of the three units and to lose billions in the process in a project that has not become profitable.
This project in the American desert He laid a precedent that experts will look when they think of implementing initiatives in comparable scenarios. On the other hand, they ensure that the future of humanity is in this colorful desert.