BLM to Hold Open House

On Proposed Ivanpah Solar Project in Needles

By Robert WINKLER
The Desert Independent

January 30, 2010

NEEDLES, Calif – The BLM will hold an open house Thursday, February 4, from 2 to 4 pm at the BLM Needles Field Office, 1303 South Highway 95, in Needles, Calif. The purpose is to help the public understand of the proposed Ivanpah Solar Generation Project proposed to be built on public lands in San Bernardino County. 

Bright Source Energy of Oakland has applied to the BLM for 4 right-of-way approval to construct solar power plants on approximately 4,000 acres of public land in California about 4.5 miles southwest of Primm, Nevada.

The plant would use solar "power tower" technology, involving the construction of seven 459-foot-tall towers. The planned 214,000 heliostats, each consisting of two flat mirrors, would be constructed in concentric circles around each tower to reflect the sun's rays on a central receiver. The towers would heat water and run steam through turbines to generate electricity. The electricity would be transmitted via tie lines to a new substation and into the transmission lines running through the proposed project.

Further details can be found at a BLM web page: and the CEC web page, or by contacting Tom Hurshman, BLM Project Manager at (970) 240-5345 or mailto:  ca690@ca.blm.gov.