Nov 26 2010
A dozen solar energy projects’ future is hanging in the balance pending approval from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors due to opposition from the military represented by Northrop Grumman (NOC).
These projects have been planned in the high desert region near Los Angeles-Kern Country. According to NOC, the planned 230 MW unit named AV Solar Ranch One, close to Rosamond, which is to be constructed by First Solar, might damage operations in a sensitive installation for testing operations of radar-evading stealth technology systems on aircrafts.
According to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, if the project is blocked by NOC, both creation of innumerable green jobs and the battle against global warming by constructing renewable power plants would be under threat. He further mentioned that the project is not only important for Los Angeles County, but would also help in achieving Californian State policy goals.
Senator Dianne Feinstein revealed that she had mentioned her willingness to host a meeting where Pentagon officials and representatives from Northrop and First Solar could meet and discuss for making sure that the Antelope Valley solar power projects do not face any setback. She also mentioned that Wes Bush NOC’s CEO had assured her that the problem would be resolved. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors would reflect on NOC’s appeal in a meeting.
On September 15, the project had received preliminary approval from the Los Angeles County Planning Commission. A plan of beginning construction on the 2100 acre site by the year end was conceived by the developers, so as to be eligible for a federal economic stimulus subsidy. However Northrop is advocating for a delayed start, maybe in 2011 and has filed an appeal to gain more time, to decide the impact the solar project would have on Northrop’s testing program. Jim Hart a spokesman for NOC revealed that they were still evaluating the options available. On the 1400 acre Northrop installation located on the outskirts of the Tehachapi Mountains, radar waves recoil from simulated aircraft placed on revolving pedestals to find out if the airplanes could be detected.
The project would be utilizing 400 workers during peak construction. Once operations begin in 2013 the power generated would be sold to Pacific Gas and Electric under a 25 period contract for powering 75,000 households. According to Jim Woodruff, Vice President, First Solar, the local Antelope Valley Officials were in full support of the solar project. First Solar had also verified beforehand that the solar plant operations would not have any significant effect on the testing centre, with the help of an independent consultant. This point of view was also subscribed by the Los Angeles County Lawyers.