Ivanpah Solar Project

operational

The Ivanpah Solar Project is a large solar power plant located along Interstate 15 at the Nevada-California border. It opened in February 2014 as the largest solar plant in the world, using about 170,000 mirrors (heliostats) to focus solar energy to produce steam to drive turbines that generate electricity. The plant has produced power for more than a decade but is considered inefficient and expensive compared to newer photovoltaic technology. It was expected to operate until at least 2039. California regulators recently rejected plans to shut down the plant, allowing operations to continue as the utility company explores options.