The Kulning
Wind Energy Project
Project Description
The Kulning Wind Energy Project (KWEP) is a proposed wind farm development consisting of 50 to 68 wind turbines that will generate up to 310 Megawatts (MW) of power for Nevada and our neighboring state of California. That’s enough clean energy to power 80,000 to 100,000 homes annually.
The project will be located on land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Southern Nevada’s Clark County, along the Nevada-California state line between Nipton, CA and Searchlight, NV. The total project study area is 9,264 acres, which is a 72% reduction from the previously proposed project, the Crescent Peak Wind Project. Once operational, KWEP will permanently disturb less than 700 acres, including turbine pads, roads, transmission lines and a facility substation. Over 10 years of wind resource monitoring, Eolus has determined this area has an excellent wind resource for a utility-scale wind energy generation project. In addition, in a Record of Decision (ROD) updating the 1999 Clark County Resource Management Plan (RMP) in July of 2019, BLM determined that the area the project is located in is “Open to wind energy.”
This project will facilitate economic development in the region and create the first viable clean utility-scale wind energy generation project within Southern Nevada. With climate change being one of the largest threats to wildlife, wind energy provides long-term benefits to species and surrounding communities.
During the 18-month construction period, the project will create between 200-400 skilled jobs and 80 to 150 induced jobs in the region. After construction, the project will create 8 to 20 permanent jobs for O&M and 17-34 induced jobs in the surrounding area. Revenues derived from property and sales taxes from the project will create substantial benefits to local schools and Clark County, while helping promote investment in infrastructure and job growth.
Recent Poll Reveals that Clark County Voters Support Renewable Energy and the Kulning Wind Energy Project
In October 2021, a hybrid survey was conducted with voters in Clark County, NV. This poll was crafted to allow both both renewable energy development and conservation sides to use their own words.
Support for the KWEP, which is located 8 miles West of Searchlight, NV is strong with 64% of Clark County voters favoring the project and just 26% opposed. When voters were given a brief description of the project, support increased to 72%.
We support important and well-planned conservation efforts, whether that be in our renewable energy projects across the Western US or in federal/state protection of public lands.
KWEP Location
KWEP would be located on 9,264 acres in Clark County, NV on public land managed by Bureau of Land Management (BLM); approximately 9 miles West of Searchlight, NV.
KWEP will deliver energy into the electrical grid at a point that is strategically located close to the Hoover Dam, which is at risk of an extreme reduction of energy output due to the ongoing drought and decreased water levels of Lake Mead. KWEP can replace 20% of the current annual output of Hoover Dam.
Proposed Layout
This preferred layout for the KWEP would use up to 68 wind turbines. The project area avoids all mine patents and avoids most active mine claims. This alternative has been designed to maintain a maximum setback from the Mojave Preserve, the South McCullough Wilderness, Spirit Mountain and the Castle Mountain National Monument.
As can be seen from the adjacent map, the KWEP turbine layout has been compacted dramatically when compared to the previously proposed Crescent Peak Wind Project for more efficiency and reduced impacts. KWEP turbines were shifted to avoid viewshed from the Castle Mountains Monument and to allow an unobstructed view of the Castle Peaks when viewing from Searchlight, Cal-Nev-Ari and Spirit Mountain. KWEP was also shifted to the South to avoid the South McCullough Wilderness and potential Bighorn Sheep habitat. This alternative would not require road access from nearby Crescent Peak Road or Walking Box Ranch Road.
Below is a link to the BLM West-Wide Wind Mapping Project used to assist in the siting of this project. https://bogi.evs.anl.gov/windmapper/portal/
