EDF Renewables North America, in collaboration with NV Energy, McCarthy Building Companies and the Moapa Tribe of Paiute Indians, marked a milestone in therenewable energy industry with the completion of the Arrow Canyon Solar+Storage project. Launched in September 2021, this project saw the completion of its solar section in December 2022 and its storage section in November 2023.
Economic impact and local job creation
The project, located on the Moapa Indian Reservation in Clark County, comprises a 275-megawatt (MWdc) solar installation coupled with a 75MW-5hr battery energy storage system. This initiative generates enough carbon-free electricity to power 57,600 average Nevada homes. Over 450 jobs were created during construction, 10% of which were filled by tribal members.
Political support for the Arrow Canyon Project
Moapa Tribal Council member Kage Thompson emphasizes the mutual benefits of this partnership with EDF Renewables. U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto expressed their enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its role in promoting Nevada’s clean energy economy and creating well-paying jobs. Ryan Pfaff of EDF Renewables highlighted Arrow Canyon’s significant local economic impact, generating jobs and securing long-term rental income for the tribe.
Technical and environmental advances
The Arrow Canyon project, according to Tony Sanchez of NV Energy, not only brings reliable, low-cost solar power to customers, but its energy storage capability extends the benefits of renewable energy long after the sun has set. Jared Carlson of McCarthy Building Companies spoke of the solar construction skills training offered to hundreds of local individuals, strengthening sustainable energy infrastructure and storage capacity in southern Nevada.
The Arrow Canyon project has been designed to minimize the impact on wildlife, habitat and other environmental resources on the Moapa Indian Reservation. It comprises 621,000 high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic modules, accompanied by 564 battery segments. EDF Renewables’ Asset Optimization group will provide operation and maintenance services throughout the life of the project.
The Arrow Canyon project represents a major step forward in the field of renewable energies. Not only does it illustrate the effectiveness of collaborations between companies, indigenous communities and local authorities, it also represents a crucial step towards a greener, more sustainable energy future.
