U.S. Department of Energy Unveils Cleanup to Clean Energy Initiative, Proposes Solar Projects at Former Nuclear Sites

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its inaugural proposed projects under the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, a program aimed at repurposing DOE-owned lands into centers for clean energy generation.

Proposed projects include the development of solar facilities on former nuclear weapons testing sites managed by the Idaho National Laboratory. DOE is set to commence lease negotiations for solar projects within the expansive 890-square-mile site.

The department intends to facilitate the development of 400 MW of solar capacity at the site, enough to power approximately 70,000 homes.

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

Launched in July 2023, the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative aligns with President Biden’s climate objectives and responds to the directive outlined in Executive Order 14057 and the accompanying Federal Sustainability Plan.

Executive Order 14057 mandates federal agencies to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 and authorizes the utilization of land for clean energy generation development through leases, grants, permits, and other mechanisms.

Two developers have proposed projects for the Idaho National Laboratory site: NorthRenew Energy Partners plans to install over 300 MW of solar capacity alongside battery energy storage on approximately 2,000 acres, while Spitfire intends to deploy 100 MW of solar capacity coupled with battery energy storage on about 500 acres of the site.

DOE has indicated its intention to offer additional opportunities for development at the Idaho National Laboratory site.

Additionally, DOE has issued requests for qualifications (RFQs) to lease land at four other 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. Further selections are expected to be announced later this year.