Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. Looking to The Sun. , Upon completion in early 2014, this system became the world's largest concentrated solar power (CSP) facility, earning it POWER Magazine's "Plant of the Year" in 2014. In the years since, it has contributed to California's ever-growing renewable energy output. , , The Power of Ivanpah , . Has 392 megawatts of commercial solar thermal energy capacity. , . Supports a yearly average of 140,000 California homes. , . Dry cooling system uses 95% less water than wet-cooled approach. , . Is produced from 374,000 mirrors mounted on heliostat pylons using 25% less land than traditional ground mounts. , . Reduces air pollutants by 85% compared to traditional power plants. This avoids 450,000 tons of carbon emissions annually-the equivalent of taking more than 95,000 cars off California roads. , , · Electricity is sold to Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric. , · Supports California's goal to reach 50% renewable power by 2030. , · Upon completion, became the first large-scale solar thermal plant built in California in 20 years. , · Created approximately 2,600 construction jobs in the state over a three-year period. , · 2014 POWER Magazine "Plant of the Year." , , Welcome to Ivanpah Valley , California Desert Conservation Area , Ivanpah Lake lies within the 25-million-acre California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA), which makes up nearly one-quarter of the state. This is a land of contrasts: from the relatively high Mojave Desert of Joshua trees and creosote to the lower Colorado Desert of native fan palms, smoke trees and ocotillo, the CDCA offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. Whether you have come to hike, backpack, camp, take photos, tour by auto, explore on an OHV, horseback ride, or go on a mountain bike, please "Tread Lightly!” and "Leave No Trace” of your visit so that others can enjoy this area for generations to come. , , Land of Many Uses , The public lands in Ivanpah Valley are used for a variety of purposes. One of these uses is providing renewable energy. Large fields of mirrors and solar panels capture the sun's energy and converts it to electricity that is transmitted to cities for use in homes and businesses. , , While much needed energy is being produced nearby, Ivanpah Dry Lakebed provides a destination for wind powered and non-motorized recreational activities. Outside the lakebed area, the landscape offers the Mojave Adventure Route System for 4x4 touring opportunities, and access to wilderness hiking. , , Wilderness to Wander , If you are interested in a more primitive experience, you may find it in the mountains adjacent to Ivanpah Valley. The Stateline and Mesquite wildernesses are to the north, the Mojave National Preserve is to the west, and the Lucy Gray Mountains are to the east. Wilderness areas are designated by Congress to be preserved and protected in their natural condition. They can only be explored on foot or horseback. Hunting is allowed under state regulations; however, no motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed. Be prepared to explore and find your own way through the desert terrain. , , Ivanpah Dry Lakebed , Sailing without a Sea , A traveler journeying from California to Las Vegas always knew when they were nearing the end of their journey as they dropped down from Mountain Pass and saw the expansive Ivanpah Dry Lakebed. The lakebed would stretch out across the landscape with the sun reflecting brightly off its white surface. , , Today, three collector towers at the solar farm rise tall above the lakebed, glowing like giant candles guiding you through the brilliance of the area. Then, something to the east catches your eye: is it a mirage? Are there actual sailboats gliding over the lakebed? , , Wind sailors come from all over the world to cruise across this playa in their land boats. They come for the winds of the Mojave Desert and to compete in international competitions. , , Enthusiasts bring a wide range of non-motorized equipment to the lakebed to harness the wind: experimental fixed wing land planes, sail carts, blow karts, kite buggies, and human powered airplanes. If you thought you were too old for skateboarding, come join the hundreds of kite buggy riders and practice your airborne tricks. , , Other lakebed activities include model rocketry, marathons, film events, long-distance archery competitions, and scientific studies. The lakebed offers something for everyone!