Both projects are set to break ground in 2011 after receipt of final environmental permits and completion of the DOE financing activities.
The projects use the advanced molten salt, power tower technology developed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a division of United Technologies Corporation.
The technology features integrated energy storage to generate electricity on demand, and it can replace conventional power generation that produces harmful emissions from burning coal, natural gas and oil.
The 110MW Crescent Dunes solar energy project, located near the town of Tonopah, has been designated by the Department of Interior as a fast-track applicant for right of way use of federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The 150MW Rice Solar Energy project, sited on previously disturbed private land, is currently under review by the California Energy Commission with a final decision anticipated before the end of the year.
The project has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) that was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in September of this year.
