Overview
Ivanpah 2 is a 133.4 MW solar PV facility in California, USA, owned by NRG Energy Services. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity under the US IRA and California RPS.
Ivanpah 2 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Mojave Desert, California, United States. With a capacity of 133.4 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale solar facility that supports the state's aggressive renewable energy targets. The plant is owned by NRG Energy Services and has been operational, adding to the growing solar infrastructure in the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates 60% renewable electricity by 2030. Solar PV technology in this region benefits from high solar irradiance, making it a cost-effective and efficient source of clean energy. The plant's capacity places it among significant contributors to the state's solar generation mix. Environmentally, Ivanpah 2 helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. However, large-scale solar installations in desert areas can impact local ecosystems and land use. The facility's grid integration supports California's transition to a low-carbon energy system, providing clean power to the surrounding communities and contributing to grid reliability.
Environmental context
The Mojave Desert ecosystem is sensitive to land disturbance, and large solar farms like Ivanpah 2 can affect local flora and fauna. However, solar PV has minimal water use and no emissions during operation, offering significant environmental benefits over fossil fuels. The facility's location in a high-insolation area maximizes energy generation while supporting California's renewable energy goals.
Frequently asked questions
Ivanpah 2 is located in the Mojave Desert, California, United States, near the Nevada border.
Ivanpah 2 has a capacity of 133.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar PV facility.
Ivanpah 2 is owned by NRG Energy Services, a major energy company in the United States.
The facility operates under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which drive renewable energy deployment.
Solar PV plants like Ivanpah 2 produce no emissions during operation and have low water use, but large desert installations can affect local land use and wildlife.