Solar Power Plants on Public Land

The United States Department of Interior has approved the use of public lands for three solar power plants in California.
   Tessera Solar will build a 709-megawatt plant in the Imperial Valley, which will use mirrored solar dishes  to generate enough electricity to power 212,700 – 531,750 homes.
   Chevron Energy Solutions will build a 45-megawatt plant in Lucerne Valley using photovoltaic panels, which will generate electricity for 13,500 homes.
   Brightsource Energy’s 370-megawatt project in Ivanpah will provide electricity to 140,000 homes. The construction plans include 173,500 mirrors focusing light onto power towers that will generate steam.

Image courtesy of The Washington Post.