California, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Ausra Inc. has launched its Kimberlina Solar Thermal Energy Plant in Bakersfield, California, which showcases the company’s concentrating solar thermal technology.
“This plant proves that our technology is real, it works, and it’s ready to power businesses or provide process steam for industries ? now,” said Fishman. “Ausra is first on the market, providing customers a dependable, cost-effective solar thermal energy system. Some of the best investment minds in the country have backed our technology and our management team’s ability to deliver.”
At full output, Kimberlina will be able to generate 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The Kimberlina plant is the first solar plant in the country to utilize Ausra’s next generation technology, and it is the first solar thermal power plant of any type built in California in nearly 20 years.
The Kimberlina facility will also serve as the gateway toward developing Ausra’s Carrizo Plains solar power plant. In November 2007, Ausra and California utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced a power purchase agreement for the 177-MW power plant in central California. When completed, Ausra’s Carrizo facility will generate enough electricity to power more than 120,000 homes.
