Invenergy, First Solar and NV Energy have been approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to construct 440MW of solar parks in Clark County, Nevada. When all completed, the plants will generate enough electricity to power approximately 132,000 average homes annually.
Last year, the three firms won these projects in a competitive auction held by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The auction is a part of the competitive leasing process under the Western Solar Plan terms, for solar energy zones. The Plan aims to develop 19 solar energy zones and build up to 27GW solar systems, said Energy Business Review.
The successful bidders of BLM’s auction will complete their solar projects as soon as possible. The projects include Invenergy’s Harry Allen Solar Energy Center, First Solar’s Playa Solar Project, and NV Energy’s Dry Lake Solar Energy Center.
Along with the President’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce carbon pollution and increase energy efficiency, at least 20,000 MW of renewable energy capacity will be approved by DOI by 2020. The Plan also involves in expanding renewable and other low-carbon energy sources to increase resilience to the extreme climate.
"Through thoughtful planning and upfront public participation, these solar projects demonstrate we can reduce permitting times, create certainty for energy developers, and achieve better outcomes for communities and the environment," commented Sally Jewell, secretary of DOI.
