Google has invested $168 million in a solar power plant which is being developed by BrightSource Energy in the Mojave Desert in California, and according to Google the plant will generate 392 gross MW of solar energy, which is the equivalent to taking more than 90,000 cars off the road over the lifetime of the plant.
The new solar plant uses power towers, which use a field of mirrors called heliostats. These mirrors then concentrate the sun’s energy onto a solar receiver on top of a tower.
The solar receiver generates steam, which then spins a traditional turbine and generator to make electricity. Power towers are very efficient because all those mirrors focus a tremendous amount of solar energy onto a small area to produce steam at high pressure and temperature (up to 1000 degrees F).
Environmental Impact and Benefits
The environmental benefits of this solar power plant are substantial. By generating 392 gross MW of solar energy, the plant will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is akin to taking more than 90,000 cars off the road over the plant’s lifetime, which translates to a considerable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Solar power is a clean, renewable resource that does not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases during operation. This makes it a crucial component in the fight against climate change and in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Moreover, the plant’s location in the Mojave Desert is ideal for solar energy production due to the high levels of sunlight the area receives year-round. This ensures a consistent and reliable source of energy, which is essential for meeting the growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
Technological Innovations and Efficiency
The use of power towers and heliostats in this solar plant represents a significant technological advancement in solar energy production. Power towers are known for their high efficiency because they can focus a large amount of solar energy onto a small area. This concentrated solar power (CSP) technology allows for the generation of steam at very high temperatures and pressures, which in turn drives turbines to produce electricity.
One of the key advantages of CSP technology is its ability to store thermal energy. This means that the plant can continue to generate electricity even when the sun is not shining, such as during cloudy periods or at night. This storage capability addresses one of the main limitations of solar power, which is its intermittency.
Additionally, the plant’s design includes advanced control systems that optimize the alignment of the heliostats to maximize energy capture. These systems ensure that the mirrors are always positioned to reflect the maximum amount of sunlight onto the solar receiver, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the plant.
You can find out more details about this new solar power plant over at the Google Blog.
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