Last checked at 
LOS ANGELES, April 3 (Reuters) - BrightSource Energy Inc onWednesday shelved a major solar power project in California forthe second time this year.
In a document filed with the California Energy Commission,BrightSource said it "has determined there is a need to suspend"its application to permit the 500 megawatt Hidden Hills solarthermal power project until further notice.
The company did not give a reason for the suspension, andcompany officials were not immediately available for comment.
BrightSource, based in Oakland, California, said it willcontinue to evaluate the project, which was to be located inInyo County near the Nevada border.
In January, BrightSource suspended its 500 MW Rio Mesaproject in Riverside County, California after multiple delays inthe permitting process.
Late last year, CEC staff said the Hidden Hills projectwould have "significant" impact on the environment, adding thatthe use of photovoltaic solar panels "would be environmentallysuperior" to BrightSource's solar thermal technology.
BrightSource disputed those claims at recent hearings, andthe CEC was expected to issue a final decision on the projectlater this year.
BrightSource, which canceled a planned initial publicoffering last year, in March said Spain's Abengoa wouldbecome a partner in its 500 MW Palen project in California. Thatproject is awaiting regulatory approval.
BrightSource is more than 20 percent owned by French powerequipment maker Alstom SA. Other investors includeVantagePoint Capital Partners, DBL Investors, Goldman Sachs Inc, Chevron Technology Ventures and BP Ventures.
