Green energy’s dark side: bird deaths, graveyards of broken blades, and other ecological harms

 In the Mojave Desert, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System stands as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of green energy projects. Built in 2014 with significant taxpayer backing, the plant was designed to harness solar power using thousands of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto towers. Instead, it became infamous for its lethal impact on wildlife.

Federal wildlife officials described Ivanpah as a “mega-trap” for birds, with its intense light rays attracting insects and, in turn, birds that were incinerated mid-flight. Workers dubbed these tragic incidents “streamers,” referring to the smoke plumes left behind. At its peak, the plant was estimated to kill one bird every two minutes, totaling over 130,000 avian deaths annually.

Despite its ecological toll, Ivanpah struggled to meet energy production targets. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), one of its primary customers, announced in 2025 that it would no longer purchase power from the plant. Two of its three towers will shut down next year, with the third likely to follow.

“It might have functioned merely as the world’s most expensive backyard bug zapper,”...<<<Read More>>>...