By Natasha Shepherd (contact)

Fri, Sep 19, 2008 (5:03 p.m.)

Nevada can expect an expansion of solar energy projects thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy.

Acciona Solar Power, Inc., a Nevada company, will receive $600,000 for renewable energy projects.

The company owns Nevada Solar One, the world’s third largest concentrated solar plant located approximately 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas in Boulder City. The plant started operating in June 2007 and contains 300 acres of solar fields, according the company’s Web site.

This grant comes at a time when soaring energy costs have many supporting the exploration of alternative energy. It may also create much needed jobs in Clark County, which has reached an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said in a press release Friday that he commends the DOE for making the investment in solar energy.

“This grant is a major step in the right direction for renewable energy projects and can take advantage of Nevada’s abundance of both sunny days and skilled labor,” Reid said.