NV Energy, Primergy Solar get approval for large-scale solar + storage projects in Nevada
NV Energy has received final approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to purchase from Primergy Solar LLC’s Iron Point and Hot Pot Solar PV and battery storage projects in Humboldt County, Nevada. The projects, which are owned and being developed by Primergy, total 600-megawatt AC (MWac) of solar paired with 480 MW of battery storage capacity and once operational, will replace the coal-fired North Valmy Generating Station. Primergy is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.
Primergy and NV Energy entered into Build Transfer Agreements for the sale and purchase of the projects, which NV Energy filed for approval with the PUCN on July 1, 2021. The Iron Point and Hot Pot projects highlight how solar + storage plants can be a very compelling and cost competitive source of carbon free power offering significant operational flexibility to NV Energy.
Primergy’s Nevada portfolio now exceeds 1,300 MWac of solar and 3,330 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The company’s presence in Nevada is anchored by the $1.2 billion Gemini Solar Project where preliminary construction is under way and operations are scheduled to commence in late 2023. Primergy’s Nevada projects are among the largest ever undertaken globally.
“We are pleased that the PUCN has approved these milestone renewable energy projects that will help advance Nevada’s net zero carbon goals,” said Ty Daul, Chief Executive Officer at Primergy. “These projects demonstrate the important role that solar + storage can play in replacing coal generating plants with clean and low-cost renewable energy. Our portfolio in Nevada represents a substantial multi-billion dollar investment in new energy infrastructure for the state. We are proud to be bringing reliable, safe and cost-effective carbon free power to homes and businesses across Nevada.”
The Iron Point Solar Project is a 250-MWac solar system paired with 200-MW of battery storage and is expected to be commissioned in December 2023. The Hot Pot Solar Project is 350-MWac solar system paired with 280-MW of battery storage and is expected to be in-service by December 2024. Collectively, these projects will have the capacity to power 127,000 homes in Nevada.
Construction for the projects is expected to create approximately 800 job opportunities for the local Nevadan communities during peak periods and is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. The bulk of these jobs will be performed by the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers.
David Scaysbrook, Managing Partner of Quinbrook, said “This is yet another bright day in Primergy’s stellar growth and achievements and further cements the market leadership position the team has so quickly established in the US. We are particularly delighted with the further vote of confidence shown by NV Energy in selecting Primergy and Quinbrook to help deliver their ambitious renewables goals with Iron Point and Hot Pot. Together with Gemini, Quinbrook is making a substantial investment in Nevada which we are confident will serve our investors well for many decades to come”.
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