World's largest solar tower power plant in operation
The facility is the world's largest solar tower power plant and the second in commercial use. It is located next to the first plant, a 10-MW PS10 solar power plant also owned by Abengoa Solar. The PS10 plant became operational in March 2007.
The new plant is equipped with 1,255 heliostat mirrors developed by Abengoa Solar. The mirrors reflect solar radiation into the receiver, producing steam that is converted into electricity by a steam turbine. The plant will supply clean energy to 10,000 homes.
In November 2008, the engineering company Grupo Sener announced the start of construction of another solar power plant in Spain, the 17-MW Solar Tres Power Station. The $250 million facility, located in Fuentes de Andalucia, is a solar tower power plant with the world's first molten-salt central receiver and heat-storage plant.
Related News
California proposes income-based fixed electricity charges
SAN FRANCISCO - The Public Advocates Office (PAO) for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has proposed adding a monthly fixed charge on electric utility bills based on income level.
The rate change is designed to lower bills for the lowest-income residents while aligning billing more directly with utility costs.
PAO’s recommendation for the Income Graduated Fixed Charge places fees between $22 and $42 per month in the three major investor-owned utilities’ territories for customers not enrolled in the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program. As seen below, CARE customers would be charged between $14 per month and $22 a…
