Washington State to Host Nation's Largest Solar Generating Station on Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Aiming for 2,000 MW Capacity by 2030

In Richland, Washington, plans are underway to build the largest solar generating station in the U.S. at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Developer Hecate has access to 10,300 acres, with site evaluation started on 8,000 acres for 3.45 million photovoltaic panels. The project, expected to be completed by 2030, aims to generate 2,000 MW of electricity and store an additional 2,000 MW via battery installation, costing $4 billion. This output doubles that of a conventional nuclear power plant. The project is located near a decommissioned nuclear reactor complex and a decontaminated groundwater and soil area. Hecate is proceeding with caution, with environmental risks being considered. The Tri-City Development Council supports the project, viewing it as a means to attract energy-intensive projects, such as Atlas Agro's $1 billion fertilizer plant.