• The 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which in turn drives turbines to create electricity. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
    The 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which in turn drives turbines to create electricity. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
  • With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
    With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
  • An aerial view of mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    An aerial view of mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Some of the 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors, each about 7 feet high and 10 feet wide, reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
    Some of the 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors, each about 7 feet high and 10 feet wide, reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
  • An aerial view of mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    An aerial view of mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • An aerial view of the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    An aerial view of the Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system are seen in Nevada. Solar energy at present supplies less than 1 per cent of the United States’ current needs. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    Mirrors at the Ivanpah solar electric generating system are seen in Nevada. Solar energy at present supplies less than 1 per cent of the United States’ current needs. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    With three generating units in all, the $2.2 billion facility can produce approximately 400 megawatts, or about enough power to light 140,000 homes. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • The 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which in turn drives turbines to create electricity. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    The 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which in turn drives turbines to create electricity. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Some of the 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors, each about 7 feet high and 10 feet wide, reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
    Some of the 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors, each about 7 feet high and 10 feet wide, reflect sunlight to boilers that sit on 459-foot towers. Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP
  • Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Chris Carlson / AP Photo
    Most of the $1.6 billion financing for the Ivanpah solar electric generating system was secured by developer BrightSource through US government loans, but Google has invested $168 million in the project. Chris Carlson / AP Photo

Business

In pictures: The world’s largest solar thermal plant

Liz Claus

April 06, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

The Ivanpah solar electric generating system in Nevada, which covers an area approximately five square miles with 350,000 mirrors, opened February 13 and is the largest solar power plant of its type on the planet.

TechnologyEnergy