GlassPoint has partnered with Searles Valley Minerals to install 750 MWth of solar thermal technology at its California facility, reducing CO2 emissions by 500,000 tons annually. The project enhances domestic mineral competitiveness, cuts costs, and replaces coal-fired operations, securing a vital U.S. supply of boron while supporting jobs and decarbonization goals.
GlassPoint, a prominent provider of solar thermal technology for industrial decarbonization, has announced a significant partnership with Searles Valley Minerals (SVM), a U.S.-based producer of soda ash, borates, and other essential industrial minerals. The collaboration aims to enhance cost efficiency and bolster the competitiveness of the domestic mineral supply chain. In the initial phase of this alliance, GlassPoint will deploy 750 megawatts thermal (MWth) of its solar steam technology at SVM’s facility in Trona, California. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 500,000 metric tons annually.
The use of solar thermal systems will replace coal-based operations at the site, offering improved unit economics while contributing to the decarbonization of the mineral processing sector. The project is also a step toward phasing out two coal-fired boilers currently used at the facility. According to Dennis Cruise, President and CEO of Searles Valley Minerals, the company has been exploring alternative energy partnerships for over a decade. GlassPoint’s track record of reliably delivering industrial-scale solar steam systems made it a clear choice. “Rising coal prices have created a cost burden. GlassPoint’s solution not only reduces operating costs from the outset but also safeguards American jobs. The financing model further minimizes our upfront investment, making this partnership highly beneficial,” he added.
SVM’s Trona facility plays a critical role in the domestic supply of strategic minerals. With sodium carbonate and boron being key components in numerous industrial applications, the plant is set to become the last boron production facility in the United States within the next decade, securing the country’s access to this vital resource.
Rod MacGregor, CEO of GlassPoint, emphasized the vast market opportunity in industrial process heat, which is valued at $444 billion globally. He noted that industries are increasingly seeking sustainable, cost-effective solutions, and GlassPoint’s technology meets these demands across sectors such as metals, construction materials, and oil and gas. “This partnership strengthens our domestic footprint while supporting California jobs, American technology, and a resilient supply chain for critical minerals,” MacGregor stated.
The solar steam system will utilize GlassPoint’s proprietary Enclosed Trough technology. By placing reflective mirrors inside greenhouse-like structures, the system concentrates sunlight onto pipes filled with liquid salt, which retains heat for continuous boiler and power operations. The company will also implement its Unify thermal storage system, capable of storing heat using ternary liquid salts, ensuring round-the-clock energy availability.
This collaboration follows GlassPoint’s recent announcement of a 1.5 GW solar thermal project with Ma’aden in Saudi Arabia. With the addition of the SVM project, GlassPoint’s total development pipeline now exceeds 2.2 GW of solar industrial heat, solidifying its leadership in the sector. SVM’s century-old operations at Searles Lake—rich in borax, sodium, potassium, and lithium—generate around 1.75 million tons of product annually, employ over 600 people, and contribute more than $300 million in revenue.
