London, Uk (PressExposure) October 06, 2010 -- The first ever large-scale solar energy plant installation to be built on public land have been approved by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in what many people would consider to a historic step forward in the nation's clean energy initiative. Utilising renewable energy advantages to counter act the negative effect of using fossil fuel based alternatives is seen as the only way forward.
The two projects are intended to lead the way in a series of renewable energy projects on public lands which are currently under final review by the Department of interior. This initiative starting with these two projects located in California will provide thousands of jobs for the U.S and hopefully will advance U.S clean energy technologies gradual integration.
Secretary of the Interior Salazar stated "These projects are milestones in our focused effort to rapidly and responsibly capture renewable energy resources on public lands," whilst signing the final Records of Decision for the initiative."These projects advance the President's agenda for stimulating investment in cutting-edge technology, creating jobs for American workers, and promoting clean energy for American homes, businesses and industry."
6,800 acres of public land has been approved by Salazar, for U.S based companies to use for up to 30 years with the goal of building and operating solar power plants for energy production. Up to 754 megawatts of renewable energy could potentially be produced which is the equivalent to powering 226,000 -566,000 typical American homes. In regards to creating jobs it is estimated that the projects could create almost 1,000 new jobs.
There will be two different types of solar power technology used by the projects approved by Salazar. Chevron Lucerne Valley Solar Project will employ photovoltaic solar technology on public lands in San Bernardino County utilising an area of 422 acres to accommodate the scheme. This installation is expected to produce nearly 45 megawatts from 40,500 solar panels, enough to supply 13,500 - 33,750 homes with electricity.
The Imperial Valley Solar Project has been proposed by Tessera Solar of Texas will adopt Stirling Energy System's Sun Catcher technology on 6,360 acres of public land in Imperial County. This solar plant is expected to produce up to 709 megawatts from 28,360 solar dished able to provide power for 212,700 - 531,750 homes.
Previously in 2009, Interior's Bureau of Land Management(BLM) committed to helping the nation reach it's clean energy goals by guaranteeing coordinated processing, full environmental analysis and public review for specific renewable energy projects where the companies involved demonstrated they were ready to advance to the formal environmental review and public participation process.
"We're confident that our solar program is smart from the start. With something as momentous as the introduction of large-scale solar development on the public lands, we have one chance to do things right," said BLM Director Bob Abbey. "That's why we did complete environmental analyses on both these projects with expanded opportunities for public participation."
The "fast track" program is part of the Administration's overall strategy to spur a rapid and responsible move to large-scale production of renewable energy on public lands. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, renewable energy developers that have their projects under construction by the end of 2010 or meet one of the program's safe harbour provisions can qualify for significant funding. The Recovery Act's payment for specified energy property in lieu of tax credit program makes Tessera and Chevron eligible for approximately $273 million and $31 million, respectively.
This type of project is not taken lightly and have to withstand an environmental review, public scoping and an environmental impact statement. These procedures are intended to reduce any harmful impact on wildlife, water and other resources as much as possible. In attempt to mitigate any negative effects state and federal agencies have established a joint compensation fund run by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
"There are 11 million acres of public lands in the California Desert, and a large majority of those lands are managed for conservation purposes," Salazar said. "These projects, while a significant commitment of public land, actually represent less than one-hundredth of one percent of that total area. Given the many benefits, the extensive mitigation measures, and the fair market value economic return, approval of these projects is clearly in the public interest."
As these types of initiatives only increase in number and development, the application of renewable energy on public land within the great state of California should be regarded as a landmark for the U.S nation.