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BLYMYER ENGINEERS WINS CONTRACT FOR LARGEST TRIBAL SOLAR PROJECT IN U.S.
(Alameda, CA) Blymyer Engineers, a leading California based engineering company specializing in solar and renewable energy, announced it was selected for engineering services on the K Road Moapa Solar Project in the Nevada desert.
The K Road project, constructed by Swinerton Energy Renewables, is the first large scale solar project in the country approved for use on tribal lands. The project involves a solar ground lease between K Road Moapa Solar LLC and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians tribe. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a 500 kilovolt transmission line to connect the new solar plant to the Crystal Substation, and access roads on federal public lands within the BLM managed utility corridor on the Reservation.
“We’re honored to play a role in this unique and exciting solar project in the Nevada desert,” maintains Michael Rantz, president and CEO of Blymyer Engineers. “The project is an important milestone; it will generate lease income and revenue for the tribe over 50 years and connects the existing tribal-owned TravelPlaza to the grid, thereby decreasing their dependence on fossil powered generators.”
Blymyer is working with Swinerton and federal, state and local partners, as well as members of the conservation community and interested stakeholders on the feasibility and energy analysis for the project.
As a groundbreaking renewable energy effort the project will:
• generate enough electricity to power 100,000 homes
• create over 400 jobs during the construction cycle
• be built on 2,000 acres of tribal land
• be constructed in three phases of 100-150 megawatts
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs strong environmental reviews and mitigation measures are being included to reduce and minimize impacts on the ecosystem and to wildlife, including a Desert Tortoise Translocation plan, Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy and a Weed Management plan. The tribe has set aside 6,000 acres on the Reservation as a suitable habitat for the Desert Tortoises which need to be relocated, and qualified biologists will monitor the construction for five years in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations.
Rantz adds, “This crucial project is real step forward for the Administration and (Department of Interior) DOI’s goal of creating large scale renewable energy projects on public lands. Our engineering staff has worked tirelessly to realize the precise and exacting standards this job entails.”
Secretary Salazar to date, has approved 31 utility scale solar projects that will generate more than 7,200 megawatts and power up to 2.5 million homes, while generating thousands of jobs. The state of Nevada is working to achieve its goal of 25% Renewable Portfolio Standard by 2025.
About Blymyer Engineers
Founded in 1961 Blymyer is a premier engineering company actively designing projects in solar, wind and renewable energy for clients throughout the United States and internationally. The company maintains expert mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineers in house and is licensed in over 30 states. The company partners with major utilities, renewable energy companies, developers, building owners, architects and government to provide superior and innovative engineering solutions. It has completed over 1GW of power generation in solar and offers turnkey engineering solutions for utility-scale and distributed generation projects and commercial applications.
For more information see www.BlymyerEngineers.com.
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