POLITICO Energy California proposes pausing on a major solar retirement
Nov 18, 2025
Noah Baustin, a POLITICO energy reporter, delves into the complexities surrounding the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in California. He discusses California regulators’ concerns about blocking the plant's retirement due to grid reliability and regulatory uncertainties. Baustin explains the origins of the Biden-era deal and what it means for future federal involvement. The conversation also touches on broader implications for energy policy and federal water protections.
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Why Ivanpah Was Targeted For Early Retirement
- Ivanpah is a concentrated solar plant that underperformed against expectations and contracts, prompting federal negotiation to retire it early.
- The Department of Energy cut a deal to close it to maximize loan recovery amid cheaper alternative renewables.
Reporting While Touring Diablo Canyon
- Noah Baustin was traveling to Diablo Canyon nuclear plant while reporting this story.
- He mentioned touring California's last remaining nuclear facility on the same trip.
Regulatory Uncertainty Shapes State Decisions
- California regulators fear federal policy changes could slow new renewable projects and raise costs.
- That uncertainty motivated the proposed decision to block Ivanpah's planned closure to protect grid reliability.