$2.33 Billion Solar-Plus-Storage Project Set in Nevada
A solar-plus-storage project valued at more than $2.33 billion is preparing for construction after receiving a Record of Decision (ROD) from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior.
Arevia Power on September 10 announced the Libra Solar Project, featuring 700 MW of solar power generation capacity paired with 700 MW of battery energy storage, will move forward on nearly 5,800 acres. The installation is sited about 20 miles south of the Fort Churchill substation in Yerington, Nevada, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Yerington is about 70 miles south of Reno.
The BLM recently said it was looking at 31 million acres of public lands in the western U.S. for potential development of solar power projects.
Arevia on Tuesday said the project should produce 1,948,000 MWh annually. The ROD authorizes the right-of-way grant for the project, including the construction and operation of the solar photovoltaic facility and associated infrastructure. The project’s innovative design ensures reliable power supply year-round, particularly benefiting rural Nevada, according to the developers.
Arevia intends to sell power from the Libra project to Nevada utility NV Energy under a 25-year contract.
Driving Economic Development
“This project showcases the potential of renewable energy to drive economic development while addressing climate change,” said Nevada U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford. “The Libra Solar Project will bring over 1,000 good-paying jobs to Mineral and Lyon counties and deliver long-term benefits to our communities. I am thrilled to see Nevada leading the way in renewable energy production.”
Las Vegas-based Arevia Power, founded in 2015, is an independent U.S. utility-scale solar and wind developer. The company has originated more than 12 GW of greenfield renewable assets primarily on federal and state lands throughout the U.S. The company previously has been involved with development of the Gemini Solar + Storage Project in Nevada.
“The Libra Solar Initiative is more than just a step towards a sustainable future; it’s bringing real economic opportunity for Nevada and putting food on the tables of working-class Nevadans,” said Kenneth Cooper, International President of the IBEW, a trade union representing electrical sector workers. “By creating high-paying, middle-class jobs and ensuring robust labor standards, we are not only building renewable energy infrastructure but also investing in the prosperity of our communities. This project is proof that the Biden-Harris administration’s renewable energy tax credits, coupled with strong labor standards, are a blueprint for the success of communities and working families.”
BLM Support
Ricardo Graf, chief development officer and managing partner at Arevia Power, said, “We also want to acknowledge the invaluable support of Nevada BLM Director Jon Raby and Carson City District Manager, Kim Dow, whose leadership and dedication at both the BLM State and District levels have been instrumental in moving the Libra Solar Initiative forward, ensuring that we can continue to make a difference in both the environment and the communities we serve.”
“The Bureau of Land Management is proud of the work we have done with our partners and communities on the Libra Solar project,” said Raby. “This project will bring jobs to communities here in Nevada and help to continue the advancement of renewable energy here in our state.”
Arevia on Tuesday said the Libra project is expected to begin construction soon. Commercial operation is expected by year-end 2027. Power from the project is expected to be moved on NV Energy’s 525-kV Greenlink West transmission line, which will run about 350 miles from Yerington to Las Vegas. The Greenlink West line is expected to be commissioned by mid-2027.
NV Energy as part of its integrated resource plan filed with the Nevada Public Utilities Commission said it will pay $34.97/MWh for energy and portfolio credits, without any price escalation over the life of the contract. The utility in the IRP, being reviewed by the commission said the capacity price for the storage portion of the power purchase agreement is $13,350/MW per month, with no escalation for 20 years, and no cost for the remaining five years of the contract.
NV Energy told the commission the contract has a levelized cost of energy, including network upgrade costs, of $93.69/MWh.
—Darrell Proctor is senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).