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From :

BrightSource to Build 500 Megawatts of Solar-Thermal Power in Mojave Desert

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by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 04. 2.08

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

The press release (pdf) is dated April 1st, but this is no joke. Because of California law, PG&E needs to get 20% of its electricity from renewable sources (not including big hydro) by 2010, so it has contracted with Brightsource Energy for 3 new solar-thermal power plants in the Mojave desert, one of the best spots for solar power in the world.

"Solar thermal energy is an especially attractive renewable power source because it is available when needed most in California – during the peak mid-day summer period," said Fong Wan, vice president of energy procurement at PG&E. These first three plants will add up to 500 megawatts of capacity, but PG&E has also signed contracts for options on an additional 400 megawatts, which could bring the total to 900 megawatts.

The first of these solar power plants, sized at 100 MW in Ivanpah, California, could be operating as early as 2011 and is expected to produce 246,000 megawatt hours of renewable electricity per year. BrightSource will build and place in commercial operation each of its plants as quickly as permitting and infrastructure allow.

The next two power plants will be 200 megawatts each.

For more on the subject, see ::Solar Thermal Power: Not Forgotten

::Official Bightsource Energy Press release (pdf), ::PG&E backs 3 solar plants in the Mojave

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And :

4 Gigawatt Swedish Wind Farm Receives Local Approval

photo: Ian Munroe via flickr

Here's a seriously gigantic renewable energy project that's moving forward, despite hard economic times: What could well turn out to be Europe's largest wind farm has won approval from regional authorities in Norrbotten, Sweden. Should the Swedish government also grant approval (which could take up to 12 months), construction on the $6.9 billion project could start in two and a half years, and be completed in ten:

Article continues: 4 Gigawatt Swedish Wind Farm Receives Local Approval

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Located in Taveljso, in the municipality of Piteå, the project site is 175 square miles in size and would contain 1,101 wind turbines.