The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is a solar thermal plant owned by Brightsource Energy, NRG Energy and Google and is currently the world's largest solar project to have started delivering solar electricity power to the homes of California.
The generating system is located in the Californian desert in Ivanpah Dry Lake and can produce up to 392 megawatts at full capacity. The solar powered clean energy is set to provide electricity to 140,000 homes, ridding the staggering 400,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide waste annually.
The three unit power system is fitted with 300,000 software controlled reflective mirrors that has the ability to track the sun 365 degrees to divert the sunlight towards the three 450 foot tall towers. Once the sunlight strikes the towers, the heat generated heats the water and converts it into super-heated steam which is diverted to a turbine to generate electricity.
Reflective Solar Farms (UPDATE)
The Ivanpah Solar System Produces 392 Megawatts of Energy
Trend Themes
1. Reflective Solar Farms - Harnessing the power of sunlight through reflective mirrors and thermal technology to generate clean energy.
2. Solar Thermal Plants - Implementing solar thermal technology to convert sunlight into super-heated steam for electricity production.
3. Renewable Energy Generation - Increasing the production capacity of solar energy systems to meet the electricity needs of a large number of homes.
Industry Implications
1. Solar Energy - Creating solar farms and thermal plants to contribute to the renewable energy sector.
2. Clean Technology - Developing innovative solutions for generating electricity from renewable sources and reducing carbon emissions.
3. Power Generation - Investing in solar projects to meet the increasing demand for clean and sustainable power sources.