Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approves power purchase agreement for battery, solar project
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners recently announced that the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) approved its 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NV Energy for the 690-megawatt (MW) AC Gemini Solar + Battery Storage Project (Gemini) in Clark County, Nev.
“This decision from the PUCN clears the path for Quinbrook to progress into the final stages of project design and procurement planning for what could be one of the world’s largest ever renewables projects,” David Scaysbrook, co-founder and managing partner of Quinbrook, said. “Gemini plans to showcase at scale what we believe to be one of the most promising technological advances in renewable power. The project will demonstrate the ability to couple solar PV technology with battery storage to capture and use Nevada’s abundant renewable solar resource to deliver low-cost power to NV Energy’s customers and keep the lights on long after the sun has set.”
Gemini will capture and store solar energy throughout the day and dispatch it during the early evening peak period. Once operational, it is expected to help reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 million tons per year.
The final development stages of Gemini will continue to be overseen by Arevia Power.
Quinbrook and Arevia estimate that the project will support approximately 2,385 jobs during construction and add up to $463 million in economic development value to the Nevada economy. The project is expected to exceed $1 billion in capital expenditure.
“We believe Nevada is an ideal location for a project of this magnitude,” Scaysbrook said. “The state is naturally endowed with the sun’s energy all year round, so it makes sense to convert that to low cost and emissions-free energy for the long term. Quinbrook is proud to have reached this important milestone with NV Energy, which rewards the faith our investors have shown in our strategy.”
