Gemini solar project in full operation northeast of Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Solar power production in Nevada took a big step forward this week as Gemini Solar + Storage achieved full commercial operations northeast of Las Vegas.

The operation along Interstate 15 near Valley of Fire merges solar energy production and battery storage. It’s the largest facility in the U.S. that includes both. Gemini uses 1.8 million solar panels.

In Nevada, it’s the largest currently operating solar plant at 690 megawatts — more than double the nearby Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar project, which produces 300 megawatts and was previously the state’s largest.

Gemini officials said the project can produce about 10% of Nevada’s peak power demand.

Primergy CEO Ty Daul said Gemini “broke the mold” with its co-location model. With storage onsite, the plant provides 1,400 megawatt hours of clean energy after sundown. “The project’s unique DC-coupled storage configuration enables the BESS to charge directly from the solar panels, resulting in increased efficiency and maximizing the capture and storage of solar energy directly on-site,” according to a Friday news release.

Primergy took measures to leave vegetation in place, installed solar panels to follow the ground’s natural contours, and reduced the project’s land footprint by over 20 percent through thoughtful design, the news release said.

Primergy develops utility-scale solar and battery projects across the U.S.

“Achieving full commercial operations marks a significant technical and financial milestone for our team,” Daul said. “We successfully navigated challenging supply chain and inflation issues through proactive planning and collaboration to bring this project online. We are grateful to our partners and investors for their commitment and shared vision in delivering clean energy to the western U.S.”

Gemini created about 1,300 union and prevailing wage jobs, contributing approximately $463 million to Nevada’s economy. It is owned by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, which holds a 51% stake. The remaining 49% is owned by APG, the largest pension asset manager in the Netherlands.

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