Primergy Solar LLC is a developer and owner of distributed-scale solar and storage. Primergy has selected major equipment suppliers for the $1.2B Gemini Project near Las Vegas, Nev. Primergy, which is also a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, has made these selections.
After a comprehensive and detailed procurement process, Primergy selected Kiewit Power Constructors Co. as Gemini’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner and IHI Terrasun Solutions as the battery storage integrator. Maxeon Solar Technologies was also chosen to supply its high-efficiency, bifacial sun modules.
“The final selection of equipment supply and construction partners for Gemini has been a long, detailed and thoughtful process,” says David Scaysbrook, managing partner of Quinbrook. “The Quinbrook and Primergy teams have worked diligently to evaluate each supplier’s credentials and track record from an ESG perspective in accordance with Quinbrook policies. This includes detailed supply chain investigation and materials sourcing to ensure we have procured responsibly, especially in a challenging market and regulatory environment for solar and storage equipment.”
Gemini is a $1.2Billion, 690 MW AC/966-MW DC solar array and 1,416MWh storage facility. The project will have over 1.8 million modules installed on approximately 6,500 acres federal land. It will produce enough clean electricity to power Las Vegas. Construction is expected in 2023 and operations to begin shortly thereafter.
“The Gemini Project is extraordinary in its scope and scale, and we are excited to join Primergy in significantly expanding the availability of clean energy,” comments Dave Flickinger, executive vice president of Kiewit Energy Group, Inc. “With more than 40 years of experience in developing renewable energy projects, we are well equipped to deliver an outstanding solar array and battery system while also supporting Primergy’s commitment to safety, reliability, environmental stewardship and the surrounding community.”
“IHI Terrasun is proud to be part of such a historic moment,” states Jamal Burki, president of IHI Terrasun. “We look forward to bringing our advanced DC-coupled solar and storage solutions to the Gemini Project while employing our lifecycle services aimed at ensuring a smooth and reliable operations for all involved.”
Primergy has committed significant resources to minimize Gemini’s physical footprint to protect and preserve local flora, fauna. The company has partnered with biologists to create the industry’s first Desert Tortoise Relocation Plan, which tracks, cares for and will safely reintroduce the protected species back into their natural habitat once construction is complete. Primergy will also use responsible and efficient construction methods, such as using alternative methods of site preparation and establishing narrow roads into the project site. Primergy will also build appropriate-spaced, raised rows solar modules to ensure that nearly 80% of the site is open to the sun.
“While the size, scale and innovative integration of solar PV coupled with battery storage makes Gemini one of the most complex clean energy projects ever developed, Gemini also sets new and timely benchmarks in sustainable infrastructure development,” explains Ty Daul, CEO of Primergy. “Through Gemini, Primergy has pioneered a holistic approach to responsible project development that considers complete ecosystem management, collaborative partnerships with local and community stakeholders and undertakes careful due diligence in supply chain and equipment selection. This ensures the company procures responsibly, minimizes environmental impact and delivers lasting community benefits across jobs, training and ongoing education in the benefits of large-scale clean energy infrastructure.”
Primergy’s Nevada portfolio alone exceeds 1,300 MW AC of solar and 3,330 MWh of battery energy storage systems under contract with NV Energy as well as multiple additional projects in the development phase.