Concentrating solar power (CSP) employed in desert regions, such as the American Southwest, has long been considered the most economically competitive form of solar power.
However the technology’s need for cooling water is proving to be a barrier in these regions, which already struggle to supply enough water for expanding population centers.
The issue is part of the growing conflict between advocates of renewable energy and land conservationists. As a result, more solar developers are proposing air-cooled systems or photovoltaic systems, which do not require large amounts of water.
However, the siting of transmission lines is also part of this dispute.
More than 150 solar applications have been submitted for hot spots in Nevada, California, and Arizona, plus a few in New Mexico.
Read Associated Press coverage at the link below.
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It is possible to operate CSP plants using little or no water. The possibilities are described here: http://www.trec-uk.org.uk/csp/no_water.html .
It is also possible to minimise the visual impact of transmission lines, as described here: http://www.trec-uk.org.uk/elec_eng/hvdc_impact.html . New technologies mean that it is much more affordable to lay power cables under ground.