If a solar plant uses natural gas, is it still green?

[Theo520]

This is a good article to read as it examines operating results so far with the worlds largest solar power plant.

I like their approach since it effectively merges two energy sources to keep their steam turbines delivering reliable power. A good approach for sunny climates, with spare real estate.

If a solar plant uses natural gas, is it still green?

The giant Ivanpah solar power plant in the California Mojave Desert recently detailed how much natural gas it burned to generate power when the sun wasn’t sufficient – the equivalent to 46,000 tons of CO2 emissions in its first year, according to reports.

Along with its impacts on wildlife and its receipt of federal incentives, news of the CO2 emissions has renewed criticism of the 377-megawatt facility, which supplies 140,000 California homes during peak hours of the day.

Why is a solar power plant using natural gas, and does the associated CO2 disqualify it as “green”?

The use of natural gas to complement solar in fact highlights a trend toward what I call “speckled green” electricity generation – approaches that are not completely green, but in which natural gas enables more widespread, reliable, and affordable deployments of renewables.

(full article)

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[edwest2]

I think the trade-off is worth it. As newer technologies go online, and efficiencies increase, the transition will be ongoing. Technological disruption at this scale means suppliers of natural gas will be selling less, and investors are watching things like this.

Ed

 

[friardchips]

I would have said that gas was transparent. If you shine a special UV light on it or something then the gas might shine up as green.