An Oakland-based solar energy company jettisoned their plans to build a 75-story solar tower outside of California’s Joshua Tree National Park because solar rays emanating from the structure incinerated birds in midair.
BrightSource Energy’s decision to abandon the project saved the California Energy Commission from voting on the construction in late October. According to ABC News, the company would have employed “power tower” technology, which commands concentrated solar energy to activate steam boiler towers.
An almost identical BrightSource tower near the Nevada border was responsible for zapping birds and igniting them with their intense rays.
On Wednesday, BrightSource Senior Vice President Joe Desmond said that the Oakland-based company would pursue other endeavors that “better meet the needs of the market and energy consumers.” However, Desmond asserted that the company is steadfast in its commitment to solar power-tower technology and “sound and responsible environmental measures.”
Many conservation groups opposed building the towers near Joshua Tree because it was along a flyway for migratory birds.
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