A plan to add nearly 1800MW of new solar and storage capacity in Nevada has been given the greenlight by the state’s regulator.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has approved NV Energy’s ‘integrated resource plan’, which will bring an additional 1190MW of new solar renewable energy projects to Nevada plus 590MW of energy storage capacity.
The capacity will comprise three solar-storage projects, all located in southern Nevada in Clark County, which are expected to be completed 1 January 2024.
The new projects will help NV Energy meet its commitment to customers to double its renewable energy capacity.
NV Energy president and chief executive Doug Cannon said: “Today’s decision brings the environmental and price benefits of low-cost solar energy to our customers – and the addition of energy storage capabilities allows us to extend the benefits of renewable energy to times when the sun is not shining. “We are proud to be delivering a renewable energy vision to our customers that also supports Nevada’s economic and sustainability goals.”
The three new projects are Arrow Canyon, featuring a 200MW photovoltaic array with a 75MW, five-hour battery, being developed by EDF Renewables North America.
The second is Southern Bighorn Solar & Storage Center, a 300MW PV array that includes a 135MW, four-hour battery, being developed by 8minute Solar Energy.
The third is the Gemini solar and battery storage project, featuring a 690MW solar system with a 380MW battery, being developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners in collaboration with Arevia Power.
In April, Senate Bill 358 was signed into law by Nevada governor Steve Sisolak requiring Nevada energy providers to achieve a 50% renewable energy portfolio standard by 2030.
The projects will create more than 3000 construction period jobs using union labour.