Former US nuclear test site to host solar energy projects – pv magazine USA

June 5, 2024 Ryan Kennedy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its first proposed projects under its Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, which aims to transform DOE-owned lands into clean energy production hubs.

Proposed projects include the development of former nuclear weapons test sites operated by the Idaho National Laboratory. The DOE will begin lease negotiations for solar projects at the 890-square-mile site.

The DOE plans to support the development of 400 MW of solar capacity at the site, enough to power about 70,000 homes.

“Tens of thousands of acres of DOE-owned lands across the country are being transformed into thriving carbon-free power generation centers,” said the U.S. Secretary of Energy. United, Jennifer M. Granholm. “Working closely with community leaders and private sector partners, we are cleaning up land once used in our nuclear deterrent programs and deploying the clean energy solutions we need to help save the planet and strengthen our energy independence.

The Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative was launched in July 2023. The program is linked to President Biden's climate goals and his response to the directive Executive Order 14057 and support Federal Sustainability Plan.

Executive Order 14057 calls on federal agencies to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 and authorizes them to use land for clean energy generation development through leases, grants, permits and other mechanisms .

For the two developers with selected proposals at the Idaho National Laboratory site, NorthRenew Energy Partners has proposed installing more than 300 MW of solar as well as battery energy storage on approximately 2,000 acres. Spitfire has proposed installing 100 MW of solar and battery energy storage on approximately 500 acres of the site.

The DOE said it plans to open subsequent opportunities for the Idaho National Laboratory site.

The DOE also issued requests for qualifications (RFQs) to lease land at four additional sites, including the Hanford site in Washington; the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico; the Nevada National Security Site in Nevada; and the Savannah River site in South Carolina. The DOE plans to announce additional selections this year.

More information on the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative can be found here.