Solar Plant Is Melting Bypassing Birds
- 11 years ago
The opening of the world’s largest solar energy plant, located in Nevada, was a thrilling moment for many, but not for the birds that fly over it.
The opening of the world’s largest solar energy plant, located in Nevada, was a thrilling moment for many, but not for the birds that fly over it.
At least 11 birds have died as a result of flying too close to the enormous sun catcher.
Among them were a peregrine falcon, four nighthawks, and several warblers and sparrows.
The facility generates power by reflecting sunlight off of 350 thousand garage-door sized mirrors and onto water-filled towers.
When the water boils, the steam it produces powers turbines and before long, enough power to supply 140 thousand homes is generated.
The fact that the immense amount of heat generated, which can rise as high as 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, is killing birds is not a surprise to those in charge.
It’s been reported that wildlife loss was a known factor from the early stages of planning and was considered acceptable due to the bigger benefit picture.
At present, there are plans to build another solar plant near Joshua Tree.
Biologists have alerted regulators to the fact that bird loss in that area would include several protected varieties.
The opening of the world’s largest solar energy plant, located in Nevada, was a thrilling moment for many, but not for the birds that fly over it.
At least 11 birds have died as a result of flying too close to the enormous sun catcher.
Among them were a peregrine falcon, four nighthawks, and several warblers and sparrows.
The facility generates power by reflecting sunlight off of 350 thousand garage-door sized mirrors and onto water-filled towers.
When the water boils, the steam it produces powers turbines and before long, enough power to supply 140 thousand homes is generated.
The fact that the immense amount of heat generated, which can rise as high as 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, is killing birds is not a surprise to those in charge.
It’s been reported that wildlife loss was a known factor from the early stages of planning and was considered acceptable due to the bigger benefit picture.
At present, there are plans to build another solar plant near Joshua Tree.
Biologists have alerted regulators to the fact that bird loss in that area would include several protected varieties.