A proposal to construct the largest solar power project in the U.S. has been approved by the U.S. Department Site of the planned solar power facility. Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Managementof the Interior and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. When completed in 2022 near Las Vegas by Solar Partners XI LLC, the $1 billion Gemini Solar Project will also be the eighth largest solar power station in the world.

The 690 MW photovoltaic solar electric generating facility includes a 380 MW solar-powered battery system to store and supply more than 1,400 MWh, 34.5 kV overhead and underground collector lines, a 2 acre operation and maintenance facility and three substations.

Projections indicate that renewable energy from the Gemini Solar Project will offset annual greenhouse emissions of about 83,000 cars, or 384,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Environmental impact mitigation policies specified in the federal record of decision include a mowing method that will result in fewer impacts on native vegetation and wildlife, such as the desert tortoise, and extensive long-term environmental monitoring.

The project is expected to employ 500 to 700 construction workers, with a peak of up to 900 workers at any given time, and to inject an estimated $712.5 million into the economy in wages and total output during construction.