Solar Thermal Technology Poses Challenges for Drought-Stricken California

Reducing water consumption at solar thermal plants raises costs and decreases power production.

Californias ambitious goal of getting a third of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 is being tested by its driest year on record, part of a multiyear drought thats seriously straining water supplies. The state plan relies heavily on solar thermal technology, but this type of solar power also typically consumes huge quantities of water.