CNET también está disponible en español.

Ir a español

Don't show this again

Ivanpah solar thermal plant

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System -- jointly owned by NRG Energy, Google, and BrightSource Energy -- started delivering power to California's electric grid on Thursday. The solar thermal plant, which covers approximately 3,500 acres in Southern California, creates high-temperature steam to drive power generators.

Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
1
of 10

Three towers

The plant has three 450-foot high towers that can produce a gross total of 392 megawatts of solar power, according to plant operator NRG Energy.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
2
of 10

Many, many mirrors

Surrounding the towers are more than 300,000 software-controlled mirrors.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
3
of 10

'Power tower' tech

The mirrors reflect the sunlight to boilers at the top of the towers, which creates high-temperature steam that then turns a turbine, according to BrightSource.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
4
of 10

Pumping electricity

The Ivanpah plant generates enough electricity to supply 140,000 homes, said NRG Energy.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
5
of 10

Pipes

The plant accounts for nearly 30 percent of all solar thermal energy in the US and is the largest solar project of its kind in the world, according to NRG Energy.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
6
of 10

Reflecting the sun

Construction on the plant, which sits on federal land, started in October 2010 and cost $2.2 billion.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
7
of 10

Mirror, mirror in the desert

An up-close look at the plant's garage-door size mirrors.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
8
of 10

Waiting for rays

Ivanpah is the first plant to use BrightSource's "power tower" technology to produce electricity, said NRG Energy.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
9
of 10

Mountain backdrop

Located in Ivanpah Dry Lake, Calif., the plant sits on public desert land.
Updated:Caption:Photo:BrightSource Energy
10
of 10
Now Reading

Ivanpah solar plant starts delivering electricity (pictures)

Up Next

Vantablack swallows everything it's painted on

Latest Stories

The best Apple AirPods and Beats Wireless headphone deals

The best Apple AirPods and Beats Wireless headphone deals

by
Verizon to turn on 5G in New York City on Sept. 26

Verizon to turn on 5G in New York City on Sept. 26

by
The best MacBook Air deals: Get the 2018 model for $849

The best MacBook Air deals: Get the 2018 model for $849

by
The best iPad deals: $30 off the brand new 10.2-inch model and more

The best iPad deals: $30 off the brand new 10.2-inch model and more

by
Huawei Mate 30 has a premium camera, bigger battery and 'horizon' display

Huawei Mate 30 has a premium camera, bigger battery and 'horizon' display

by