The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, once the world’s largest solar-thermal power plant, is now facing partial decommissioning just over a decade after its highly anticipated launch. Located on five square miles of Mojave Desert land near the California-Nevada border, the $2.2 billion facility was initially praised as a breakthrough in renewable energy innovation. However, shifting market trends, environmental concerns, and advancements in photovoltaic (PV) solar technology have made its long-term viability unsustainable.
One of Ivanpah’s primary power purchasers, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), has reached an agreement with NRG Energy and other stakeholders to terminate contracts for two of the plant’s three units by 2026—well before their original expiration date in 2039. PG&E cites cost savings as the key reason, as PV solar power has become significantly more efficient and affordable. Southern California Edison, the buyer of power from the third unit, is also considering a contract buyout.
The decline of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, which Ivanpah relies on, is a central factor in the decision. Unlike PV solar, which has seen massive cost reductions and efficiency improvements, CSP systems use mirrors to concentrate sunlight and generate steam, a process that has proven less scalable and cost-effective for large-scale commercial use.
Environmental concerns have further complicated Ivanpah’s legacy. Conservation groups, including the Sierra Club, have long criticized the facility for disrupting desert ecosystems, displacing threatened desert tortoises, and increasing bird mortality rates due to the extreme heat generated by its mirrors. Drivers along the I-15 corridor have also reported issues with the plant’s glare.
Despite economic and environmental setbacks, PG&E and NRG Energy acknowledge that Ivanpah was part of an important phase in renewable energy development. With California’s clean energy mandates requiring continuous improvements in efficiency, the site could potentially be repurposed for photovoltaic solar installations, which are now the industry standard for large-scale renewable energy production.
While solar-thermal power plants like Ivanpah may be fading, clean energy innovation continues to evolve. As utility companies refine their energy portfolios, investments in solar PV technology and battery storage advancements will likely define the future of renewable power generation in California and beyond.
