Closure of Ivanpa Solar Power Facility in 2026

The Ivanpa Solar Power facility in California’s Mojave Desert, which received partial funding from taxpayers, is set to close in 2026 due to its ineffective energy production, as reported by the New York Post.

This $2.2 billion project, featuring three towering structures at 459 feet each, was initiated in 2010 and became operational in 2014. The site has struggled with inefficiency and growing costs, leading to an early closure—over a decade before its originally planned end date of 2039. Speculation about its future began earlier this year when Pacific Gas & Electric announced the end of their contract with the facility’s owner, as noted by various sources.

“When it was built, developers aimed to explore different clean energy options to lessen dependence on fossil fuels,” a source mentioned. However, despite its promise, the technology didn’t quite live up to expectations.

Interestingly, solar initiatives had seen some successes on a smaller scale in Europe, particularly in Spain with projects around 20 megawatts. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, various private companies made substantial investments in solar energy across the US.

Part of the funding for this large plant came from the Department of Energy under former President Obama, which provided $1.6 billion in federal loan guarantees. The project was touted as a significant step toward American leadership in solar energy. In 2014, former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz praised it as an example of building a clean energy economy that could generate jobs and spur innovation.

However, recent years haven’t been entirely smooth for California’s solar energy sector. The state has grappled with challenges including the struggles of its rooftop solar subsidy program. In August 2024, the major rooftop solar company SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to mounting issues, highlighting ongoing difficulties in the market.