While a number of U.S. politicians are actively working against the integration of renewable energy in the U.S., via the introduction of such laws as the No More Solyndras Act, which would see Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees wiped out for solar and wind projects if passed, there have also been many recent positive advancements made in the industry, including the news that 285,000 acres of public land have been opened for solar development, and the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop renewable energy, including solar, on public lands withdrawn for defense-related purposes.
In another positive boost for the solar industry, President Obama announced on Tuesday, August 7 that five solar projects, comprising 1,350 MW of photovoltaics and 200 MW of CSP, will be fast tracked.
"As part of President Obamas all-of-the-above strategy to expand domestic energy production and strengthen the economy, we are working to advance smart development of renewable energy on our public lands," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "These seven proposed solar and wind projects have great potential to grow our nations energy independence, drive job creation, and power economies across the west."
The proposed solar projects are:
Company | Project | Size | Technology | Location | Target date |
Solar Reserve | Quartzsite Solar Energy | 100 MW | CSP | Arizona | December 2012 |
EnXco | Desert Harvest Solar Energy | 150 MW | PV | Riverside County, California | December 2012 |
NextEra Popular content | McCoy Solar Energy | 750 MW | PV | Riverside County, California | December 2012 |
RES America | Moapa Solar Energy Center | 200 MW | 100 MW PV; 100 MW CSP | Moapa River Indian Reservation, Nevada | December 2013 |
First Solar | Silver State South Solar Energy project | 350 MW | PV | Nevada | March 2013 |
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