Construction of world’s largest thermal solar plant, makes for paradox

Credit: Jamey Stillings

In a very interesting intersection of art and construction, the world’s largest concentrated solar thermal power plant is currently under construction and has made for some stunning photography.

The Ivanpah Solar plant is being built in the Mojave Desert, NPR reports. Recently, photographer Jamey Stillings, who has documented the solar plant’s construction, shared some of his photos with NPR and discussed why it makes for what’s a pretty interesting paradox.

“Every single large-scale solar project has encountered this intersection of trying to accomodate the environmental concerns of conservation,” Stillings told NPR, noting the irony that the construction of a green energy plant will forever alter the natural environment of the Mojave. “How do you find that middle ground.

According to Stillings website, the Ivanpah Solar plant will be made up of more than 300,000 mirrors that reflect the sun to three towers. This solar heat creates “392 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 140,000 U.S. homes.”

Be sure to check out Stillings amazing images of the project here.