The California Energy Commission has approved the construction of BrightSource Energy’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. Bechtel is partnering with BrightSource to build Ivanpah, which will be the world’s largest solar thermal facility, in the Mojave Desert. The commission’s approval is one of several approvals needed before construction can commence.
The project is also being reviewed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is expected to issue its final Record of Decision in the coming weeks. BrightSource expects to have all of the necessary permits to commence construction in late 2010.
When constructed, Ivanpah will generate enough electricity to power 140,000 homes.
Read the announcement about the approval.