(08/01/25)
Imagine a world where clean energy fuels our homes, industries, and cities, drastically reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. At the heart of this vision lies the largest solar generator on the planet, a monumental structure that harnesses the power of the sun using advanced technology. This is the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS), where 500,000 mirrors diligently work in order to produce renewable energy in the scorching Mojave Desert.
Located in California’s San Bernardino County, ISEGS represents a giant leap forward in solar power technology. Officially operational since December 30, 2013, this 386-megawatt facility consists of three solar thermal power plants, collectively utilizing 173,500 heliostats—mirrors that concentrate sunlight onto power tower receivers.
Developed by BrightSource Energy and constructed by Bechtel, this project was a collaboration that also received significant financial backing from NRG Energy and Google.
The three plants—Power Plant 1, Power Plant 2, and Power Plant 3—operated on a similar principle yet vary in size and capacity. Power Plant 1 produces 120 megawatts with 53,500 heliostats, while the other two plants generate 133 megawatts each with 60,000 heliostats. The expansive facility stretches over 3,500 acres at the base of Clark Mountain, displaying a remarkable engineering feat that is designed to maximize solar energy capture.
The operation of ISEGS hinges on its innovative steam turbine technology. The heliostats track the trajectory of the sun, directing concentrated sunlight to the receivers atop the towers, which absorb the heat to produce steam.
This steam powers Rankine-cycle reheat turbines, generating electricity that feeds into the grid and provides power to approximately 140,000 homes.
To ensure consistent energy production, especially during low sunlight periods, each plant is equipped with natural gas-fired steam boilers. These supplementary systems ensure that operations can continue smoothly, demonstrating the facility’s hybrid approach to energy generation. More of this article (News Ongoing) - link - more like this (solar) - link - more like this (Mojave Desert) - link - more like this (heliostats) - link
Developed by BrightSource Energy and constructed by Bechtel, this project was a collaboration that also received significant financial backing from NRG Energy and Google.
The three plants—Power Plant 1, Power Plant 2, and Power Plant 3—operated on a similar principle yet vary in size and capacity. Power Plant 1 produces 120 megawatts with 53,500 heliostats, while the other two plants generate 133 megawatts each with 60,000 heliostats. The expansive facility stretches over 3,500 acres at the base of Clark Mountain, displaying a remarkable engineering feat that is designed to maximize solar energy capture.
The operation of ISEGS hinges on its innovative steam turbine technology. The heliostats track the trajectory of the sun, directing concentrated sunlight to the receivers atop the towers, which absorb the heat to produce steam.
This steam powers Rankine-cycle reheat turbines, generating electricity that feeds into the grid and provides power to approximately 140,000 homes.
To ensure consistent energy production, especially during low sunlight periods, each plant is equipped with natural gas-fired steam boilers. These supplementary systems ensure that operations can continue smoothly, demonstrating the facility’s hybrid approach to energy generation. More of this article (News Ongoing) - link - more like this (solar) - link - more like this (Mojave Desert) - link - more like this (heliostats) - link
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