http://sunpluggers.com/news/us-planning-solar-power-plants-at-former-nuclear-test-site-in-nevada-0683The federal government is establishing a "Solar Demonstration Zone" to test new solar power technologies on part of the Nevada Test Site, which in the past was used to study nuclear weapons.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday to use property overseen by the Bureau of Land Management for the study of concentrating solar technologies.
“The Nevada Test Site is about to play a new role in securing America’s future – but instead of testing nuclear weapons, we will test new solar technologies that will help put America on a sustainable energy path,” said Mr. Chu, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Concentrating solar power plants encompass a range of technology types, all of which use mirrors or lenses to focus the sun's energy and convert it to electricity. Some types create heat that can be used to power an engine or make steam to turn a turbine to generate electricity. The technologies differ from rooftop solar photovoltaic modules, and have thus far been deployed mostly in desert areas with lots of open space.
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