World's Largest Renewable Energy Projects Around the Globe
In recent years we have witnessed a large increase in renewable energy projects, some of which encompass vast areas of land, and others whole building roof tops. Many of the large projects are being developed by international consortia. But, increasingly individual companies and institutions are installing custom solar, wind or hybrid arrays in order to reduce energy costs and to be seen to be eco-friendly. There have whole been a host of world’s largest projects springing up around the globe, here are a few that have caught our attention.
WindStream Technologies have installed the world’s largest wind-solar hybrid array on the roof of a large law firm in Kingston, Jamaica. The site consists of 50 units and has an estimated annual output of 106,000 kWh. The company expects a return on investment (ROI) of less than four years and the hybrid array should last for 25 years.
The Ivanpah plant in Dry Lake, California is the world’s largest solar thermal plant and currently accounts for 30 percent of the total solar power generated in the US. It cost US$2.2 billion to build and covers 3,500 acres with space for 173,500 heliostats (computer-controlled mirrors) that reflect the sun’s light towards three solar receiving water boiler towers. The 392 MW plant produces enough electricity to power 140,000 houses on an annual basis.
The Blackfriars Station in London underwent a complete overall which began in 2009 and finished in time for the London Olympics in 2012. In addition to the new platforms, the Blackfriars Bridge adjoining the station was developed into the largest solar bridge in the world. It was fitted with 4,400 photovoltaic panels and generates around 900,000 kWh of electricity each year.
