A massive solar plant in the Mojave Desert appears headed for closure 11 years after its opening.

According to ABC News, the plant has been struggling to stay competitive against cheaper solar technologies on the market such as photovoltaic solar.

Earlier this month, Pacific Gas & Electric said it is ending its contract with the Ivanpah solar power plant, which launched in 2014 using concentrated solar.

"It was among the first such projects in the United States to provide electricity to utility customers. PG&E contracted in 2009 for output from units 1 and 3. The current contract capacity is approximately 250 megawatts," PG&E said. "The plant began generating electricity in 2014. The agreements were scheduled to run through 2039."

PG&E noted that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) "ordered a multi-year process for investor-owned utilities to evaluate their energy supply portfolios" in 2021.

"As part of PG&E’s 2023 process, current plant owner Solar Partners offered PG&E the opportunity to terminate the Ivanpah Solar power purchase agreements," the company said in a statement. "PG&E determined that ending the agreements at this time will save customers money compared to the cost of keeping them through 2039."

ABC News reported that Southern California Edison is involved in discussions about terminating its contract with the plant as well.

Environmental groups have criticized the plant after rays from its mirrors have been linked killing thousands of birds. 

Environmentalists from the Western Watersheds Project organization were against construction of the plant due to its impact on desert tortoise. 

Environmental groups are advocating for teh cancellation of a separate planned solar project in the Mojave Desert.