The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is set to be expanded by 19 million more acres by the Obama administration.
Though conservation groups have been working to block the overtaking of the Ivanpah Valley, citing the inability of endangered animals to absorb wide industrial change, many environmentalists, utility and solar companies find the Mojave desert a gem for power production. By opening up more land in the desert and providing incentives, the American government hopes companies will quickly cluster their projects in the area.
The government is faced with deciding whether the ends justify the means. The controversial plan is a difficult trade-off, as there are concerns that placing man-made pieces in the only desert in America will only counter any environmental gains made.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Expansion of Solar Power
- The expansion of the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System presents opportunities for further growth in the solar power industry.
- Clustered Solar Projects
- The American government's plan to open up more land in the Mojave desert incentivizes solar companies to cluster their projects in the area, leading to collaboration and innovation.
- Environmental Trade-offs
- The controversy surrounding the expansion raises the need for disruptive innovations that balance environmental concerns with the benefits of renewable energy.
Where This Applies
- Solar Power
- The solar power industry can benefit from the expansion of solar projects in the Mojave desert.
- Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy companies have an opportunity to collaborate and innovate in the clustered solar projects in the Mojave desert.
- Environmental Conservation
- The need to balance environmental concerns with renewable energy production opens up opportunities for disruptive innovations in the field of environmental conservation.
