Palmdale Power Plant Clears Hurdle

A committee of the California Energy Commission recommended approval for a natural gas and solar thermal power plant built by the City of Palmdale. The two-member committee reviewing the city’s application concluded the proposed 570-megawatt facility will have no significant impacts on the environment and complies with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards. The committee’s recommendation was issued June 16. The recommendation now goes before the full commission, which votes following a 30-day public comment period. The city submitted its application for the power plant in 2008. The facility will be built on city-owned land on Avenue M near Sierra Highway adjacent to U.S. Air Force Plant 42. The power plant combines natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating equipment with solar thermal generating equipment. “The Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant will help create and retain jobs right here in the Antelope Valley, as well as to help us meet the rising demand for electricity,” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford said. “It will be the cleanest, most efficient power plant of its size in the world and will help retire older gross polluting power plants.” If the city receives a final permit for the project, the power plant would begin commercial operation in 2013.