The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management have accepted a plan to construct and operate the largest solar project in the history of the United States.

U.S. secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for Solar Partners XI to build a 690-MW photovoltaic solar electric generating and auxiliary facilities about 30 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

The estimated $1 billion Gemini solar project will be the world’s 8th largest solar power plant once completed, and is expected to produce enough electricity to power 260.000 homes in the Las Vegas region and future energy markets in Southern California.

“As our economy rebounds from the invisible enemy, President Trump is working to make the United States stronger than ever before. Our economic resurgence will rely on getting America back to work, and this project delivers on that objective.”

David L. Bernhardt, secretary of the Interior.

“This action is about getting Americans back to work, strengthening communities and promoting investment in American energy.

Casey Hammond, exercising the authority of the assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management.

The project would promote vital investment in infrastructure that will generate employment and economic development as well as increase renewable energy, helping to achieve federal and state energy objectives.

“Despite the challenges of the coronavirus, we’re pleased to see that Nevada will soon be home to one of the biggest solar projects in the world. The solar industry is resilient and a project like this one will bring jobs and private investment to the state when we need it most. We appreciate the work that the Trump Administration has done to make this historic project a reality.

Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.