US approves three solar projects in Nevada under Western Solar Plan

US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell has announced the approval of three solar energy projects in Clark County, Nevada, which will be capable of producing 440MW of energy.

All the three projects will get advantage of the streamlined permit process under Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Western Solar Plan.

The projects include First Solar’s Playa Solar Project, Invenergy’s Harry Allen Solar Energy Centre, and NV Energy’s Dry Lake Solar Energy Centre.

Electricity produced from the projects will generate enough energy for 132,000 homes and likely to create up to 1,900 construction jobs.

The projects are the first three solar energy projects that will benefit from the permitting process of under Western Solar Plan, and is a part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon pollution.

BLM director Neil Kornze said: "Today’s announcement realises the promise of the Western Solar Plan and reinforces the BLM’s commitment to smart-from-the-start renewable energy development in the West.

"Projects like these demonstrate that regional planning and mitigation can achieve much faster permitting times and better outcomes. The Western Solar Plan provides a win-win approach for communities and for our public lands."

As part of the Western Solar Plan, BLM plans to create 19 solar energy zones that will span across more than 298,000 acres of public land.

After the development is completed that areas will be capable of producing up to 27GWof solar energy.