China may be in the lead when it comes to investing in renewable energy, but the U.S. is about to take a 1,000 megawatt leap.

• The Obama administration just approved a permit allowing a $6 billion solar thermal plant to be built on federal land in a California desert.
• Solar thermal energy production isn’t the same as photovoltaic solar panels. The plant works by using mirrors to direct sunlight into a tube, where its heat generates steam and moves turbines.
• The company building the plant, Solar Trust of America, intends to start construction immediately to take advantage of government incentives for renewable energy projects before the year ends.

Facts & Figures

• This plant, along with 8 others recently approved by the CA Energy Commission, will produce enough power to sustain 800,000 homes.
• CA law requires all state utilities generate 1/3 of their power from renewable energy by 2020.
• Solar Trust estimates that this project alone will create 7,600 jobs.