BrightSource Energy
Company type | Venture backed private |
---|---|
Industry | Solar thermal power |
Founder | Arnold J. Goldman |
Headquarters | , |
Key people | Arnold J. Goldman (Founder) John Woolard (CEO) |
Website | BetterPlace.com |
BrightSource Energy is an Oakland, California corporation that designs, builds, finances and operates utility-scale solar power plants that deliver clean, low-cost solar energy to utility and industrial customers worldwide at prices that compete with fossil fuels.
Greentech Media ranked BrightSource as one of the top 10 greentech startups in the world in 2008.[1]
In March 2008, BrightSource entered into a series of power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for up to 900MW of electricity, the largest solar power commitment ever made by a utility.[2] BrightSource is currently developing a number of solar power plants in Southern California, with construction of the first plant planned to start in 2009.
Luz II Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of BrightSource Energy, Inc. Based in Israel, Luz II is responsible for solar technology development, plant design and engineering.
In July 2008, it was reported that BrightSource is opening an office and looking for partners in Arizona and that the company plans to build solar thermal power plants near Phoenix.[3]
In August 2008, BrightSource executives told local officials that the company is planning to build a 1,200MW solar power facility near Las Vegas, Nevada. The plants would generate enough electricity to power 900,000 homes.[4]
Solar Energy Development Center
In June 2008, the company dedicated its Solar Energy Development Center (SEDC) in Israel's Negev Desert. The site, located in the Rotem Industrial Park, features more than 1,600 glass mirrors, known as heliostats, which track the sun and reflect light onto a 60 meter-high tower. The concentrated energy is then used to heat a boiler atop the tower to 550 degrees Celsius, generating steam that is piped into a turbine, where electricity can be produced.[5]
Investors
BrightSource was formed with seed capital from VantagePoint Venture Partners. It secured $115 million in additional corporate funding from its Series C round of financing in May 2008. This brings the total the company has raised to date to over $160 million. Investors include Google.org, BP Alternative Energy, Morgan Stanley, DBL Investors, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Chevron Technology Ventures, StatoilHydro Venture, and Black River.[6]
References
- ^ "Greentech Media's Top Ten Startups". Greentech Media. 2008-04-17. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
- ^ "BrightSource Energy signs whopper solar contract with PG&E". CNET News. 2008-03-31. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
- ^ "BrightSource Energy expanding to Arizona". Cleantech Investing in Israel. 2008-08-02. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
- ^ "BrightSource Energy planning 1,200 MW solar power facility in Nevada". Cleantech Investing in Israel. 2008-08-24. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
- ^ "BrightSource / Luz II Dedicate Negev Solar Energy Development Center". Cleantech Investing in Israel. 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
- ^ "BrightSource Energy Exceeds $115 million in Latest Round of Funding" (PDF). BrightSource Energy. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
External links
- BrightSource Energy
- Luz II
- VantagePoint Venture Partners
- Cleantech Investing in Israel Blog about cleantech-related news in Israel