U.S. Interior Advances Permitting for NV Energy’s 8-Gigawatt Transmission Project

The U.S. Interior Department has detailed its progress on the development of two renewable energy transmission projects, namely Greenlink West transmission project and Greenlink North transmission project in Nevada. These projects together are expected to help connect approximately 8 gigawatts of renewable energy to the Western grid.

The Bureau of Land Management has commenced the environmental review process for the Greenlink North project, while simultaneously releasing a draft environmental impact statement for the Greenlink West transmission project. The initiatives are expected to reduce energy expenses for consumers, mitigate power disruptions during severe weather conditions, generate employment opportunities through unions, and facilitate significant progress towards the nation’s goal of achieving a clean electricity grid by 2035.

In March, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved transmission rate incentives for NV Energy to build the transmission project. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission, in an order  issued in January 2022 approved the development and construction of Greenlink North and the 33-mile segment of Greenlink West and provided these facilities with a critical facility designation. In 2021, Nevada enacted legislation setting a 2028 completion date for the $2.5 billion Greenlink Nevada transmission initiative. 

The Greenlink West transmission project, spanning 450 miles from Las Vegas to Reno, aims to facilitate renewable energy development in multiple counties. The draft environmental impact statement is open for public comments for 90 days, with the potential to unlock up to 4 gigawatts of renewable energy if approved.

The Greenlink North transmission project, a 232-mile-long line crossing multiple counties, has initiated a 45-day scoping and public comment period for its environmental impact statement. Approval could unlock up to 4 gigawatts of renewable energy. The BLM aims to finalize the Greenlink West project by late 2024 and release draft planning documents for Greenlink North later this year.

The project supports the Biden administration’s goal of attaining a carbon-free power sector by 2035. Since 2021, the bureau has approved 35 projects including solar, geothermal, and gen-ties on approximately 23,396 acres of public lands. These projects are expected to generate more than 8 gigawatts of electricity. The Energy Act of 2020 directs the BLM to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy production on public lands by 2025.