Communities from Las Vegas to Reno Can Expect Solar Boom with New Projects Approved

In a significant step towards a greener future, Nevada is set for a surge in utility-scale solar developments after federal land managers approved a long-anticipated transmission line on Monday. This line will carry solar power across the West, accelerating clean energy initiatives.

Over the past year, the federal government has intensified its efforts, opening up about 12 million acres of Nevada’s public land for solar development. This is more than double that of Utah, marking Nevada as a major player in solar energy expansion.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved NV Energy’s *Greenlink West Transmission Project*, a 472-mile transmission line stretching along the California border. This project will be crucial for transporting up to 4,000 megawatts of clean energy—enough to power 4.8 million homes—when it becomes operational in Spring 2027. Doug Cannon, CEO of NV Energy, called it a “game changer” for the West’s energy infrastructure.

This move aligns with the Biden Administration’s drive to decarbonize the U.S. electricity grid by 2035, which demands rapid approval and construction of new energy projects.

Along with Greenlink West, the BLM also approved *Arevia Power’s Libra Solar Project* in Mineral County, the largest energy storage and solar project in Nevada’s history. Meanwhile, other large-scale projects are also advancing, like the Greenlink North Transmission Project and the Bonanza Solar Project, reflecting Nevada’s increasing importance in clean energy.

However, not all are pleased. The Greenlink North Project has drawn criticism from conservationists concerned about its impact on sage-grouse habitats, with populations of the iconic birds already in steep decline.

Despite these concerns, the federal government is pushing forward. With more solar projects in the pipeline and faster approval processes under the Inflation Reduction Act, Nevada is poised to become a leader in solar energy for the U.S. Clean energy advocates hope this trend will help Nevada meet climate challenges while providing substantial economic and environmental benefits.

Federal leaders have emphasized that the growing interest in solar projects reflects the demand for renewable energy, bolstered by federal incentives. With solar manufacturing expanding and capital pouring into the sector, the future of clean energy in Nevada looks bright.

Source: This Is Reno