West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

3.6.2 Energy Generation PlantsEnergy generation plants are currently located within or in close proximity to the WestMojave Plan. Table 3-61 provides data regarding the megawatts (MW) of electricity generatedby these plants.Table 3-61West Mojave Energy Generation 35FACILITY TYPE ONLINE MEGAWATTS NO. OF PERMITTED FACILITIESBiomass .25 1Coal 177 3Geothermal 240 3Hydroelectric 39 2Natural Gas 738 6Solar 409 9Wind 701 45Electricity demand increased 16% in the SCAG region during the 1990’s, and isprojected to continue to grow at about 2% per year. This increasing demand for electrical energywill result in continued efforts to conserve and develop new energy sources in California. Thereliability of the energy needed to meet projected demand will depend in part on developing adiversity of energy sources (SCAG- Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide – Energy ChapterUpdate 2002). The West Mojave region contains the natural resources to support thedevelopment of alternative energy sources such as wind, geothermal and solar facilities, andthere will likely be future proposals for the development of these resources as energy demandsincrease. Proposed thermal energy facilities of 50MW or greater and related facilities (i.e.,transmission lines) are subject to the permitting authority of the California Energy Comission(CEC). The Commission’s siting process provides:• Assurance that only power plants actually needed will be built;• Review by independent staff with technical expertise in public health and safety;environmental sciences, engineering and reliability;• Simultaneous review and full participation by all state and local agencies, as well ascoordination with federal agencies;• One regulatory permit;• A decision within a specific time frame; and,•Full opportunity for participation by public and interest groups. 36Thermal energy facilities of less than 50MW on private lands are subject to thepermitting authority of the city or county within which the proposed project resides and typicallyrequire the issuance of a conditional use permit. On public lands managed by the BLM, newthermal energy facilities (other than geothermal – see below) require a right of way permit per 4335 Data source: California Energy Commission36 Energy Facilities Licensing Process – A Guide to Public Participation. California Energy Commission Webpage at www.energy.ca.gov.Chapter 3 3-277