Siting issues have slowed development of several massive solar energy projects in California, but a proposal for repurposing 30,000 fallow acres into the world’s largest solar power plant reportedly has support of farmers, environmentalists and local authorities.
According to a report in The Fresno Bee, Westlands Water district has a lease contract with private investment group Westside Holdings, which is considering developing a 5,000-megawatts (MW) solar plant in western Kings and Fresno counties.
Due to poor drainage, the farmland was damaged years ago by a buildup of selenium. But the water district bought the land about a decade ago to increase its water allocation rights. However, with statewide water restrictions, the water district lost most of its revenue and is in economic straights. Thus, the potential of solar-generated revenue is appealing.
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