On Monday, the US Department of Energy announced that it would be giving more than $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to BrightSource Energy, funding the development of a cluster of three utility-scale solar thermal power plants in the desert in Southern California.
If the project passes state and environmental reviews and develops as planned, the plants will collectively generate about 400 megawatts of electricity, doubling US solar thermal electricity capacity and powering about 140,000 California homes.
Passing those reviews might not be easy, however, for environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife included, are concerned about the impact the project will have on wildlife, especially the impact it'll have on endangered desert tortoises.
This is a big project that will have a big impact. Hopefully BrightSource will be able to minimize the negative impact, and hopefully these loans will help maximize the positive impact.
GREENandSAVE's LINKandLEARN:
-Speaking of solar thermal power: The US government isn't the only big investor.
-Speaking of habitat destruction: Ever heard of the lyre bird?
-And, if you like what you're reading: Sign up for the GREENandSAVE Monthly Newsletter - stories, tips, and discounts, direct to your inbox.
If the project passes state and environmental reviews and develops as planned, the plants will collectively generate about 400 megawatts of electricity, doubling US solar thermal electricity capacity and powering about 140,000 California homes.
Passing those reviews might not be easy, however, for environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife included, are concerned about the impact the project will have on wildlife, especially the impact it'll have on endangered desert tortoises.
This is a big project that will have a big impact. Hopefully BrightSource will be able to minimize the negative impact, and hopefully these loans will help maximize the positive impact.
GREENandSAVE's LINKandLEARN:
-Speaking of solar thermal power: The US government isn't the only big investor.
-Speaking of habitat destruction: Ever heard of the lyre bird?
-And, if you like what you're reading: Sign up for the GREENandSAVE Monthly Newsletter - stories, tips, and discounts, direct to your inbox.
