Final EIS report available for 450-MW solar projet in California

September 30 (Renewables Now) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued final environmental documents for an up to 450-MW solar project in California, thus moving the project closer to construction.

The so-called Desert Quartzite scheme was proposed by Desert Quartzite LLC, a subsidiary of thin-film solar module maker First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR).

After publishing the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR), as well as California Desert Conservation Area Land Use Plan Amendment, the BLM will issue a record of decision, it said on Thursday. The release of the documents opens a 30-day protest period and a 60-day governor’s consistency review.

The Desert Quartzite photovoltaic (PV) park, to be installed on BLM-administered public land in California’s eastern Riverside County, calls for a total investment of USD 1 billion (EUR 914.5m). The huge power plant’s output will be able to generate electricity that will be equal to the annual demand of about 117,000 homes.

The peak construction phase of the project will create up to 870 jobs.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 0.914)

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