More than 200 alternative energy projects proposed in California

SACRAMENTO
December 30, 2009 8:18am

There are 244 renewable energy projects proposed in California, according to a list provided by the governor’s office.

While the bulk of the largest would-be power generators are massive solar projects in the California desert, there are many wind projects also on the list, with Kern County being a favored location.

(The projects are on two lists, which can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.)

If all the projects were to be built, they would generate almost 70,000 megawatts of clean energy annually, the governor’s office says. Currently California facilities produce just over 8,000 MW of renewable energy annually.

In addition to the solar and wind projects, other alternative energy projects include geothermal, biomass and small hydro facilities.

Of the 244 proposed projects, 53 have indicated they will apply for Recovery Act funds and will break ground by the end of 2010. For those proposed projects looking for federal stimulus support, 22 could generate power at utility-sized levels of larger than 200 MW, totaling more than 9,000 MW, the governor’s office says. Many of the proposed projects are currently moving through a state, federal or local permitting process.

While the list of 244 sounds impressive, the governor’s office cautions that the project list is subject to change since some may lack financing, fail to meet strict environmental standards, or adequately address land use issues as part of the project approval process.