Solar Energy Development on Public Lands (2010)
This report was arranged by The Wilderness Society.
The document discusses how the use of solar thermal energy over fossil fuels will help ensure the sustainability of our planet.
There are two types of solar technology: photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) also referred to as solar thermal. Solar thermal power is further broken down into three categories: parabolic trough, dish/engine systems, and power tower systems.
The top four states for solar thermal energy emission are in California (403MW), Nevada (78MW), Arizona (9MW), and Colorado (8MW).
The United States has great potential for solar thermal energy use. In order to operate CSP Plants need 5-10 acres of land per MW.
In May 2008 a program called the Environmental Impact Statement was put into effect in order to minimize the impact that these solar thermal energy plants would have on these public lands. They include acquiring an installation permit or other zoning regulations, property taxes on installed systems, and various citing laws and environmental reviews to assess impacts on wildlife.
