Big Solar News for India and United States
India has approved 1,000 megawatts (MW) worth of solar projects, while across the ocean the final approval of the United States' largest solar power plant is on the horizon.
Today, India's New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah announced 1,000 megawatts of solar power will installed by 2013. 500 megawatts will come from photovoltaic resources, while the other 500 megawatts will come from solar thermal projects. India plans to have generate 20,000 MW of solar power by 2020.
Over 2,000 applications for 5 MW photovoltaic projects have been submitted to the ministry. Currently, the government is paring through the applications to pick the best 100 applications.
Meanwhile in California, the New York Times reports, federal regulators are nearing approval of the 1,000 MW Blythe Solar Power Project. This solar thermal project's energy output would be capable of powering 800,000 homes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final environmental impact statement for the project-- considered the last hurdle before final approval.
According to the BLM's Holly Roberts, approval could come in October: "We're already beginning work on the record of decision, our hope is to package it all together for one big signing."
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
Energy Boom content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be advice regarding the investment merits of, or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of, any security identified on, or linked through, this site.
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