Bright Source Energy to build giant "Power Tower" plant in Souther Cali

Published on September 12, 2007 by Dave Llorens.
Categories: Solar Technology.

The Oakland, CA based Solar Power company Bright Source Energy announced that it has applied to construct a giant 400 Mwatt (Dems a lotta watts) solar power plant near the Vegas/Cali border.

The surprising part is that this application represents the first time in over 17 years that a company has tried to build a solar power generator in California. They are planning on using their Luz II technology to build the plant. How does this sweet, sweet technology work you ask? Well I’ll tell you… poorly.

Ever seen that magnificent piece of crap ‘Sahara‘? You know the “evil hidden fortress” that’s an array of mirrors all pointing at a tower? Well that’s Luz II.

A Heliostat, it aims solar power at the towerIt’s simple yet elegant attack at solar by focusing a bunch of “heliostats” which is a fancy way of saying “A mirror you can aim” at a “receiver” which is a fancy way of saying “this tower we pump water through” … much like burning an ant with a magnifying glass. The result is a bunch of steam used to power generators like all the other power plants.

It’s the tracking technology of the mirrors and the receiver that is where all the R and D went, I think. It’s impressive to see I’m sure.]

Good job to Bright Source Energy for taking a giant leap toward sustainable energy!

No comments yet, be the first!

George Michnick Identicon Icon George Michnick
Comment on August 29th, 2008.

I am very interested in your company and would like more info when available.I live in Mesquite,Nevada and saw a article about your technology.

Harold Owen Identicon Icon Harold Owen
Comment on February 20th, 2009.

Hello, my name is Harold Owen
I represent a large metal working plant in Bakersfield CA. called Lortz Mfg. We noticed that the parabolic collector is loaded with pipe fabrication (small Bore). We would appreciate any chance to to assist. Years ago we assisted LUZ intheir plant at Kramers junction.

Roger Putnam Identicon Icon Roger Putnam
Comment on September 10th, 2009.

Hello, My name is Roger Putnam and I represent Total-Western Inc. and I would like to get some information concerning the projects BrightSource Energy is involved in. Thank-you!!

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