BLM issues leases for Amargosa Valley Solar Energy Zone parcels in Nevada
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RENO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management has issued two new leases in the Amargosa Valley Solar Energy Zone in Nevada, which will allow the leaseholder to proceed with next steps in the development of utility-scale solar energy. In June, BLM auctioned four parcels across 23,675 acres in the Amargosa desert. This highest-yielding onshore renewable energy auction in agency history resulted in $105.15 million in high bids, and in addition to identifying preferred applicants for two of the parcels, the auction also identified the provisional winners of the two leases being issued today.
“We’re proud that BLM can help lead the way in permitting more sustainable renewable energy,” said BLM Nevada State Director Jon Raby. “This is a major milestone in contributing to a clean energy economy that will also create jobs and local revenue for our communities.”
NV Energy, Inc., placed the high bids for both leases auctioned in the Amargosa Valley Solar Energy Zone. The Amargosa Valley Solar Energy Zone is a designated leasing area on BLM-administered land located in Nevada in a semiarid basin on undeveloped land in the Amargosa Desert. Parcel A includes 3,775 acres with a high bid of $35.25 million, and Parcel B includes 3,451 acres with a high bid of $46.6 million. The two leases issued today are the first step in the process and do not approve any construction. The proponent must submit a plan of development, which the BLM will review through a science-based environmental analysis before any building can begin.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.