Crescent Dune Solar Energy Project

Introduction

• Located in Tonopah, Nevada.
• Initially planned to power over 75,000 homes in Nevada.
• Faced challenges, filed for bankruptcy in 2020.

History and Development

• 2011: Construction began, developed by Tonopah Solar Energy.
• Intended to use new solar technology with 10,000 large mirrors.
• Received $700 million loan from U.S. Department of Energy.
• Additional funding from private investors and venture capital.
• Total development cost: $1 billion.

Technology

• New solar technology aimed to produce electricity 24/7.
• Used mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat molten salt.
• Heat from molten salt used to create steam to drive turbines.
• Design was complex, different from traditional solar farms.

Challenges and Failures

• 2013: Technical flaws identified post-construction.
  • Engineers failed to account for Nevada’s temperature shifts.
  • Issues with melting mirrors, low tower temperatures, mechanical failures.
• Construction delays due to assembling and calibrating mirrors.
• 2016: Leak in the molten salt tank caused a year-long shutdown.
• 2019: NV Energy, sole customer, terminated contract.
  • Project over budget, couldn’t meet energy production expectations.
  • High energy generation cost (~$135 per MWh vs. <$30 per MWh for traditional farms).
• 2020: Tonopah Solar Energy filed for bankruptcy.
  • Owed $400 million to U.S. Department of Energy.

Current Status

• 2021: Resumed full operation due to high electricity demand.
  • Technological issues reportedly resolved.
• Facility is now fully operational, contributing to Nevada’s energy demands.

Lessons Learned

• Highlights challenges and risks of renewable energy technology.
• Importance of careful planning and oversight in renewable projects.
• Despite past challenges, currently contributing positively to the state’s energy supply.

Conclusion

• Crescent Dune Solar Energy Project is on track for a successful future.