A hybrid natural gas and solar power generation project has been recommended for approval by the California Energy Commission. The proposed decision by a two-commissioner review committee found no significant environmental impacts from the City of Palmdale’s proposal to transform a 377-acre industrial site in the northern end of Los Angeles County for a 570 MW gas-fired combined cycle plant with adjacent solar thermal collectors providing 10% of the facility’s peak power output. Assuming the full CEC approves the three-year-old proposal, the city then needs to find a developer and a long-term contract for the plant’s output before construction can start. It is slated to begin commercial operations in summer 2013.

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