Solar Power Scales Up (broadcast Friday, March 14th, 2008)

The SEGS IV power plant in the middle of the solar field. The field has many parallel rows of parabolic trough collectors that are tracking the sun. The cooling towers can be seen with the water plume rising into the air. The white water tanks can be seen Sandia National Laboratory, via NREL

Increasingly, individuals are adding solar panels to their homes and businesses. But is solar technology ready to provide power on a utility power plant scale? Megawatt-generating solar power plants are springing up in the southwestern United States. We'll find out more about the technology they're using and how much power might be generated. Could now barren desert lands turn into a major source of energy through solar power? In this segment, Ira talks with two developers of solar thermal power technologies. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Frederick Morse
Senior Advisor for the U.S.
Abengoa Solar
Washington, DC

David Mills
Chairman, Founcer, Chief Research Officer
Ausra Incorporated
Palo Alto, California

Mark Mehos
Program Manager
Concentrating Solar Power Program
DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Golden, Colorado

Solar Power Scales Up (broadcast Friday, March 14th, 2008)

Related Links