Ivanpah Solar project

[digixjairo]

Have any of you heard of the alarming expansion of solar projects in the Mojave desert?

Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Ivanpah Valley
Untitled Document
Basin and Range Watch Alerts

[Matt Maggio]

I hold much skepticism about this "green technology" being put forth these days. The term "Renewable" is misleading. Fossil fuels and their byproducts, coupled with certain rare earth metals are required to construct and maintain devices that harness the sun, wind, etc. The energy density of such projects is poor compared to fossil fuels as well... which is why so much land is required. If we must put something out in the desert, I'd rather see a nuclear plant or something with higher energy density... though nuclear requires loads of water too. Carving up the desert for "green" projects that make some people and governments "feel good" sounds like a tragedy to me. I could say a lot more but this is a plant forum...

[agavegreg]

If you live in the sunny southwest, put solar panels on your house and generate enough energy for your own use.

Or, paint your roof with chlorophyll!

[digixjairo]

I agree 100%. How many plants will they bulldoze so that they can build their green energy? Not to mention the tortoises that will be relocated. Aren't Agave utahensis close to Ivanpah?