Capital Dynamics starts next phase of 555-MW Nevada solar + storage project

Telecommunications company Switch and Capital Dynamics have broken ground on the next phase of the Gigawatt 1 solar + storage project in Nevada. The system is poised to generate 555 MW of solar power and 800 MWh of energy storage upon completion.

“In the midst of this unprecedented moment in our state’s history, Switch and its partners are investing $1.3 billion, creating over a thousand new jobs and accelerating Nevada’s leadership in the world’s renewable energy economy,” said Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak. “Projects like this are exactly what the legislature had in mind when it passed and I signed SB547 to expand investment and jobs in Nevada.”

Gigawatt 1 will use thousands of First Solar PV modules and Tesla’s Megapack, which is manufactured in Storey County, Nevada, at the company’s Gigafactory.

“With today’s announcement Rob Roy’s Gigawatt Nevada now has four solar with battery storage projects in the state creating nearly 1 BW of energy solutions,” said Adam Kramer, Switch EVP of strategy. “This project also ensures Switch’s power costs will remain in the 5 cent a KWh range and Switch clients will continue to enjoy low-cost, 100% renewable power for decades to come.”

The Storey County location will be the largest behind-the-meter solar project in the world producing 127 MW and will include a 240-MWh battery storage system. Behind-the-meter projects generate power off the public grid, placing no burden on legacy public utility production.

“The Capital Dynamics Clean Energy Infrastructure team is delighted to work closely with Switch who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership as a technology company in sustainability both in Nevada and nationwide,” said Benoit Allehaut, managing director on Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure team. “We are also pleased to have collaborated with Tesla to install Megapack energy storage systems on four hybrid solar and storage projects in California and Nevada. This selection was the result of a comprehensive due diligence process. We believe that industry leadership is achieved through scale and innovation and are pleased with the tremendous progress we have made in combined solar and storage plants thanks to Switch and Tesla.”

The integrator of Gigawatt 1 is Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses who will use the Tesla Megapack.

“We are pleased to play a significant role in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Mark Noyes president and CEO of Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses. “The innovative partnership between all parties involved will continue to drive the sustainability agenda for Switch and the State of Nevada.”

The announcement drew praise from leading national renewable energy advocates as well.

“Nevada can enjoy the benefit of needed economic growth and strike a critical balance for the environment and precious natural resources,” said Rose McKinney-James, a long-time clean energy proponent, managing partner of Rose McKinney-James and Associates and Energy Works. “This project represents a major advancement for Nevada and we applaud Switch and their partners for continuing to push the envelope of sustainable business operations and renewable energy.”

Energy shaping, development, construction, asset management and operations of all projects will be led by Capital Dynamics’ affiliate Arevon, who performs these services for more than 5 GW of wind and solar assets on behalf of Capital Dynamics.

News item from Capital Dynamics