Trump and Biden both want this California solar facility to close. The state has other plans
Los Angeles Times••business
Key Points:
- California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has rejected a plan to close the Ivanpah solar thermal power plant, requiring two of its three units to remain operational for at least 13 more years to support grid reliability amid rising electricity demand from data centers and AI.
- Despite Ivanpah’s high costs, outdated technology, and environmental concerns such as killing thousands of birds annually, the CPUC cited tight electricity conditions and the state’s 100% clean energy goals as reasons to keep the plant running.
- Both the Trump and Biden administrations supported closing Ivanpah due to its inefficiency and cost, but California’s decision reflects concerns about federal policy shifts, infrastructure investments, and the risk of stranded assets.
- Ivanpah, which
