Two Photovoltaic Plants Planned in Nevada

Yesterday, we learned about two photovoltaic plants planned in Nevada.  NextLight Renewable Power has applied for permits for construction of both solar stations near Primm.  They will be among the first renewable energy power plants to come from the Obama Administration’s push for green energy.

Ground-breaking should occur in 2010.

The Nevada solar projects are proposed pursuant to a federal initiative that will set aside 670,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands in the western United States for solar power development.  And, the new solar plants come on the heels of Nevada Solar One, a concentrated solar power plant that provides clean solar energy for the Silver State:

Nevada BLM Lands - Prime for Photovoltaic Plants?

The U.S. Department of Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, noted that as many as a baker’s dozen solar energy plants may be in the works by the end of next year in a cluster of western states, from Nevada to California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.  The BLM lands in question would be broken into 24 Solar Energy Study Areas that could help speed along solar development on the federal lands.  Said Salazar:

“It is time for a new energy frontier, a comprehensive energy plan that encompasses renewable energy.  This is part of a directive from President Barack Obama to do everything we can to put a bull’s-eye on the development of solar energy on public lands across America.”

With so much solar energy gracing the southwestern states, it only makes sense that the federal government look for ways to capitalize on this “home-grown” power.  BLM lands in Nevada are but the first of a number of sites for new photovoltaic plants that can soak up the sun in the near future!