Energy Efficiency, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  July 17, 2018

Gemini Solar Project to be largest in Nevada

The 690-megawatt Gemini Solar Project, expected to be one of the largest solar projects in Nevada’s history, has been proposed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners. The project will be located on almost 44,000-acres of Bureau of Land Management supervised property approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gemini plans call for up to 7,100 acres for solar photovoltaics with options to include batteries, generating low-cost renewable power for power consumers in both Nevada and California, according to a statement from Quinbrook, which will fund construction of the project. The project consists of two phases: the first 440MW phase will connect to NV Energy's Crystal Substation to power the local grid, while the second phase of 250MW is planned to connect at the South Crystal Substation to serve power users in California, Nevada, and Arizona.  

"A project of this scale will have a very positive impact on the state of Nevada and Las Vegas in particular, and we are grateful for the assistance and cooperation received from the Bureau of Land Management to date," said Jeff Hunter, Senior Managing Director of Quinbrook.  "Gemini is a uniquely positioned project in close proximity to both Las Vegas and export connections to California and Arizona.  Solar energy is on the rise in Nevada and is now being offered at historic low prices which is great news for retail consumers and local industry.  We share the state's commitment to minimizing the impact on Nevada's land, water, and wildlife as renewable energy facilities are incorporated."

A decision on the proposal is expected by July 2019 following an environmental review by the BLM, with construction expected in begin in Q3 2019.

A report by Bloomberg puts the project price at $1 billion.

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