Review starts for Central Valley solar thermal-biomass plant

[Fledermaus]

The official review has started by the California Energy Commission for what is believed to be the first solar thermal-biomass hybrid electric generating facility in the state.

The commission on Wednesday found the application for certification of the 106.8-megawatt San Joaquin Solar 1&2 hybrid power plant project "data adequate."

The project will be located six miles east of Coalinga in Fresno County. It will be comprised of two hybrid plants with a solar field and a biomass facility capable of producing 53.4 MW net of solar electricity each. During nighttime and periods of cloud cover, the solar production will be supplemented by the biomass facility fueled by agricultural wood waste.

If approved by the commission, the project is expected to be on line by the first quarter of 2011.

http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11374

[cutlassmama]

1. this is great news!

We need more of these things.

[tularetom]

2. We've had several cogeneration plants startup and fail in this area

They burned orchard prunings and almond shells and hulls. I know of several people that contracted with the orchard owners to haul the tree limbs to the plant and even without having to pay for the transportation the power plants could not make a go of it.

Perhaps the climate has changed (not a pun) and a hybrid plant has a better chance of economic success at this point than a biomass-only plant. We certainly have ample sunshine here in the summer months.

[anitar1]

3. Isn't there a large earthquake fault in that area.?

Seems I remember a large quake in that area a few years ago.

[XemaSab]

4. Coalinga is right over the hill from Parkfield

I'm not too worried about it. Hell, we've got nuclear plants right on active fault lines in the state. :P