![US’ Largest Co-located Solar, BESS Project In Service](/sites/default/files/styles/hart_news_article_image_640/public/image/2024/07/us-largest-co-located-solar-bess-project-service.jpg?itok=kWsC_55w)
(Source: Shutterstock.com)
The Gemini solar and storage project, the U.S.’ largest co-located solar plus battery energy storage system (BESS), is now fully operational, Gemini’s developers Primergy Solar and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners announced July 18.
Located in Clark County, Nevada, the project includes 1.8 million solar panels that can generate up to 690 megawatts (MW), powering approximately 10% of the state’s peak power demand.
The solar panels are co-located with 380 MW of four-hour battery storage to provide Nevada with 1,400 megawatt-hours of clean energy after sundown, the companies said in its release.
Gemini incorporates a DC-coupled storage configuration which enables the BESS to charge directly from the solar panels. This allows for increased efficiency and maximizes the capture and storage of solar energy directly on-site, the release said.
In April 2022, Primergy and Quinbrook closed a $1.9 billion debt and equity financing for Gemini’s construction and development.
In October 2022, APG, a Netherlands-based pension asset manager, acquired a 49% equity ownership in Gemini on behalf of its pension fund client ABP.
In April 2024, the remaining 51% of the project was acquired by the Quinbrook Valley of Fire Fund, with Blackstone Strategic Partners and Ares Management Infrastructure Secondaries funds as lead investors.
“Gemini broke the mold with a historic amount of solar and BESS, backed by the largest tax equity financing of its kind,” said Primergy CEO Ty Daul. “Achieving full commercial operations marks a significant technical and financial milestone for our team. We successfully navigated challenging supply chain and inflation issues through proactive planning and collaboration to bring this project online.”
Earlier this year, Primergy closed commitments for $588 million in debt financing for the 408 MW alternating current Ash Creek Solar project in Hill County, Texas. The company also signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft for the full capacity of the plant.
RELATED
Recommended Reading
Devon Energy Expands Williston Footprint With $5B Grayson Mill Deal
2024-07-08 - Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy is growing its Williston Basin footprint with a $5 billion cash-and-stock acquisition from Grayson Mill Energy, an EnCap portfolio company.
Empire Petroleum’s Williston Drilling Program Identifies New Zones
2024-05-16 - Empire Petroleum provided updates on its Williston Basin development drilling program in its first quarter 2024 earnings results.
Equinor to Invest $1B in Troll West Gas Project
2024-05-27 - Equinor awarded contracts to OneSubsea and SLB in the Troll Field as part of efforts the further develop gas infrastructure offshore Norway.
BPX Looks to Ramp US Production Over 60% by 2030
2024-05-16 - BPX Energy is looking to boost its U.S. production over 60% by 2030 as it considers bringing online a fourth processing facility in the Permian by mid-year 2025, Clark Edwards, the company’s vice president of development, said during SUPER DUG in Fort Worth.
Kosmos Energy’s RBL Increased, Maturity Date Extended
2024-04-29 - Kosmos Energy’s reserve-based lending facility’s size has been increased by about 8% to $1.35 billion from $1.25 billion, with current commitments of approximately $1.2 billion.