Front Cover

Luz International Limited began a $1.4 billion, 400 MW solar power plant expansion in California. Luz´s solar electric generating stations (SEGS), with a combined capacity of 194 MWe, are already operating in the Southern California Mojave Desert. SEGS use thermal energy from a parabolic solar collector system to produce steam which drives a conventional Rankine cycle steam turbine/generator. The seven units are at two locations ranging in size from 14 to 30 MWe net. A description is given of the system design, the solar collector field, and the operation of the plants. The major technical issues and important technological developments are discussed.<>