the kimberlina solar energy facility as seen from ground levelthe solar power company ausra, inc., has launched the first solar thermal plant in california in nearly 20 years. the kimberlina solar thermal energy plant located in bakersfield, california will be able to generate 5 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power 3,5000 homes in central california. it will also be the first solar plant to utilize ausra’s next generation technology.

ausra’s technology uses 1,000-foot long mirrors to reflect the sun, heating pipe receivers located above the reflectors. the sun’s heat boils water directly located inside the receivers producing high pressure steam, eliminating any expensive, toxic and thermal fluids. what is different about ausra’s technology is that it can generate power around the clock by storing the thermal energy and using it when needed, rather than only during daylight hours when the sun is out. the steam produced from this process turns a steam turbine generating electricity that is then delivered to customers. a cooling system recycles the water and used for the next cycle.

with the simple design of their systems, the large-scale solar thermal energy developer and manufacturer will be able to drop solar power costs, resulting in a more efficient land use which utilizes solar technology.

ausra launches first solar thermal plant in california in nearly 20 years just two of the three reflector lines at the facility

ausra launches first solar thermal plant in california in nearly 20 years ausra’s 1,000-foot long mirrors reflecting and harvesting solar energy

ausra launches first solar thermal plant in california in nearly 20 years detail of the heat pipe receivers located above the reflectors

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ausra: http://www.ausra.com — via inhabitat