The California Energy Commission has started the review of a proposed 850-megawatt solar thermal power plant in San Bernardino County.

The Commission voted unanimously to accept the application for certification (AFC) of the SES Solar One Project as “data adequate”.

The proposed SES Solar One project owned by the Stirling Energy Systems will be constructed on an approximate 8,230-acre site on federally-managed land. The application for the same was submitted in December last year.

Construction is planned to begin in late 2010 if the project is approved by the Energy Commission, which is responsible for reviewing thermal electric power plants, 50 MW and greater in California.

The Energy Commission is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Commission has named Energy Commission Vice Chairman James Boyd to lead the Committee to review the project. Commissioner Jeffrey Byron is the associate member. The Committee makes sure the project meets the requirements of the CEQA.

Read more: California Energy Commission, Stirling Energy Systems