California’s Palen 500MW CSP project scrapped

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The 500MW Palen concentrating solar power (CSP) project has withdrawn its planning application less than a week after authorities said it had to be scaled down.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) said last week that the project could go ahead if the two tower plan was changed to one tower and less land was used for the development.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

In a short, perfunctory submission to the CEC on September 26, the Abengoa and Brightsource joint venture withdrew its application.

CSP has faced a number of challenges in the US including rigorous environmental mitigation to protect desert species of tortoise. 

With the investment tax credit (ITC) being cut to 10% at the end of 2016, outstanding projects were facing an increasing short build time to secure the 30% rate.

Ivanpah is the only CSP tower plant to have been built in California so far.

Read Next

Premium
June 12, 2026
China, the world’s largest PV market, is poised to lead sustainable solar module recycling and circular manufacturing, writes Huan Li.
June 12, 2026
Silicon valley tech giant Meta has signed another power purchase agreement (PPA) with RWE for a solar project in Texas.
Premium
June 12, 2026
PV Talk: IEEFA’s Gaurav Upadhyay says India’s rooftop solar surged but conversion gaps and financing barriers persist despite strong momentum.
June 12, 2026
US independent power producer (IPP) MN8 Energy has reached commercial operations at two utility-scale solar PV plants totalling 260MW.
June 12, 2026
Fraunhofer ISE has increased the performance of its III-V germanium solar module from 34.2% to 34.4% using shingle-matrix technology.
June 12, 2026
Lu Chuan, chairman of CHINT and its subsidiary Astronergy, outlines his prudent approach to navigating the difficulties facing China's PV manufacturers.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026