Solar Trust's subsidiary, Solar Millenium, is planning to build and operate the Blythe project in Riverside County, California following unanimous approval from the state's energy commission. The project calls for four 250 megawatts to be developed, which will have the combined potential to power more than 300,000 homes.
"Together with the State of California's leadership we are committed to restoring the state as the global leader in renewable energy. This multi-billion dollar facility will be the largest solar generating facility in the world and will help solidify that reputation," said Solar Millenium CEO Joseph Eichhammer.
While the approval from the California Energy Commission is a major step forward, the project still requires a record of decision from on a right of way grant from the federal Bureau of Land Management. That move is expected later in the fall, according to the announcement.
Along with generating large amounts of clean energy, the project is expected to deliver the added environmental benefit of using about 90 percent less water than other concentrated solar energy projects.
