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Justin Bowen
Laughlin and Bullhead City, Ariz., as seen in 2011.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 | 2 a.m.
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- Solar project could be start of diversified economy (6-30-11)
- Deadlines may shelve renewable energy projects (6-25-2011)
- GOP fights funding for vital Nevada renewable projects (3-3-2011)
- Reid: Solar thermal project near Tonopah to create more than 500 new jobs in Nevada (12-20-2010)
- NV Energy agrees to purchase Crescent Dunes solar power (12-22-2009)
- The cost of building a solar powered economy (8-16-2009)
- Interior bets big on Western solar energy (7-3-2009)
- Obama, Reid tour Nellis solar facility (5-27-2009)
- Solar developers shoot to beat buzzer for cash (3-22-2009)
It could be the biggest thing to hit Laughlin since, well, ever.
But word that Clark County will enter negotiations with a Chinese energy company planning a $6 billion solar-generating plant, solar panel factory and industrial park just south of town hadn’t drawn much attention Tuesday.
People at real estate agencies, casinos, a Mexican restaurant and other Laughlin businesses had no inkling of the proposal, which took its first steps Tuesday, when the County Commission voted to seek a development agreement and appraisals on the 5,400 acres of county-owned land that ENN Mojave Energy Corp. LLC, wants to develop.
“The first I heard about it was yesterday and that was someone just mentioning it,” said a woman who answered the phone at the Hideout, a bar and one of the few noncasino hangouts for Laughlin locals.
“I’m not a big news guy,” said an employee who answered the phone at a local pizza place.
Make no mistake, though, that if the development moves as quickly as ENN Mojave Energy wants, everyone in the town 90 miles south of Las Vegas will know about it by year’s end.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Tony Timmons, Laughlin Chamber of Commerce president. “Anything that diversifies the economy and increases job opportunities in Laughlin, we support.”
The plant — which would be built about 12 miles south of Laughlin, along Needles Highway and just north of the Mojave Indian Reservation — could be under construction by late this year or early 2012. A summary of ENN’s plans said the factory would be 500,000 to 1 million square feet and capable of churning out 2.7 million to 5.4 million solar panels a year.
For the first two or three years, those panels would stay in Laughlin, where ENN wants to build a solar farm capable of generating up to 840 megawatts of power. One megawatt powers 1,000 homes, according to some estimates.
All those panels could translate into 2,000 permanent jobs, which the company estimates will pay more than $70,000 a year. Another 4,000 construction workers will be hired over four years to build the factory and solar farm.
A question on the mind of commissioners Tuesday: Where will they find the workers?
Steve Sisolak
Commissioner Steve Sisolak, who had met with ENN officials five or six times before Tuesday’s meeting, said he was assured that the majority of those workers will be hired from Nevada. The company plans to establish classes for technical work at the College of Southern Nevada.
“I’m as concerned as anyone that the taxpayers get value for this deal,” Sisolak said. “But I’d bet on these 5,400 acres. For someone to come in with an idea to develop that land, it’s a huge boon for Laughlin, for all of Clark County.”
Anthony Marnell, owner of Marnell Sher Gaming LLC, which owns and operates the Colorado Belle and Edgewater resorts in Laughlin, said if the project happens, “this could be a long-term stable industry for Laughlin. That’s a good thing.”
He envisions migratory construction workers filling homes and apartments left vacant by the recession. It’s almost something, he said, that makes “you kind of pinch yourself.”
“Is it too good to be true? I’m very encouraged, though.”
Whether the potential economic impact reaches Las Vegas won’t be known for years, possibly.
At UNLV, professor Robert Boehm, director of the Center for Energy Research, doesn’t expect a direct boost to the center, even if the development and his research go hand in hand. He expects the company will rely on the work of researchers in China.
“I’m not saying it couldn’t happen, and we’d be open-armed if they were at all interested in working with us,” Boehm added. “But many of these companies have their own way of doing things closer to home.”
Sisolak acknowledged that company officials said they would bring their own research team. That’s fine with him, as long as the development happens.
“No matter what, this is going to be huge,” he said. “This is jobs and it’s long, long overdue diversification of the economy.”
Love this development. And that sounds par for the course around here that most people hadn't heard about this. I remember hearing how Harry Reid weighed in to get the Chinese to pick So. Nevada over Texas, earlier this year. This effort of his alone should get him a larger than life statue in the arrivals wing at McCarran.
And is there a better elected official serving us locally than Steve Sisolak? (That's a rhetorical question. For those of you who thought the answer was Oscar The Slouch, eat sand.)
Bob Realist,
This isn't a government project put out to bid. The Chinese, on there own, created this. No Chinese, no project. I wish it were American-driven, too. And ordinarily, I am outraged with how China plays us for saps with their mercantilistic games. But this case is different. The Chinese are investing capital HERE, going to being putting AMERICANS TO WORK, and the lastest in this technology is actually being transferred FROM China, TO HERE.
American companies don't nearly invest enough in new technology anymore (this is one example, high-speed rail is another). And they don't manufacture in the U.S. anymore. Let's take this incredible good turn of events and run with it.
People will be spending money earned working for a Chinese company on Chinese goods at Wal-Mart.
Tell me again, why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?
People of Laughlin and Bullhead City, welcome to the invasion of illegals. Marnell loves it because they spend their who check in his properties. And remember, they can live in the abandoned homes and apartments. As long as they stay below Searchlight. Maybe they can also cut Harry Reid's grass. The problem is once they get there, they won't leave. And those 70K jobs, who gets them. Pi$$ poor planning but great politics. Is City Center making any money, Murren? Harry's calling, he needs his truss adjusted.
Yet another nonsense post from Boftx. In Boffie's world,
no new jobs in Laughlin, no $6 billion investment into the So. Nevada economy, and no tech transfer is the ideal.
Don't shop at Walmart if you don't like them. I've just about stopped spending anything there. They undermine our economy and society. But ENN Mojave development is the OPPOSITE of Walmart. Unless you have the financing for your own better development, get out of the way.
(Awaiting typical Boffie nonsensical, non sequitur post.)
DTJ,
It is not uncommon at all for countries to limit the ownership position that foreign companies may hold in their domestic operations or properties. Look at Australia for an example.
My only question is why is a Chinese company doing this instead of an American company?
It certainly isn't because of lack of capital. I think three trillion dollars is the number that has been tossed about as the amount that American industries are holding as cash reserves.
My point is that if this is the beginning of a trend then we are heading back into economic colonialism.
And for the record, my wife and I do our best to never shop at Wal-Mart or buy imported goods. But it simply can't be avoided in many circumstances. (And if you want a real shock check the country of origin on some of the meat you buy at Albertson's. I still don't understand how Danish baby back ribs are 50 cents cheaper per pound than the US pork is that I buy at Smith's.)
How come Trader Joe's has $1.99 Italian wine? Yes questions of the ages.
The big question is does Alamode, the Republican candidate favor this project? I'm not sure if Laughlin is in his district, but this is of Statewide importance, and he is a China basher.
(does Wynn and Adelson get off on that?)
"I'm not a big news guy," so says one perosn interviewed. Well, I'll bet he knows about the Casey Anthony trial, something that doesn't affect his life in any way, shape or form. However, when it comes to things that do, he's ignorant. Is this anecdotal piece of news a peek into the future of America? Citizens more interested in tabloid trash then the things that really affect their lives? I'm afraid so.
How much water will they need for their massive solar farm?
I wish it was an American company in the lead. But, if it is Chinese that have the foresight to see the advantages and are willing to pump in billions and employ thousands then good for the Chinese and shame on us for getting beat in our own backyard!
Hey Jaun needs a job ! I'l work for less, in fact I'll work less !
I wish I could figure this one out. A large chunk of "stimulus money" was paid to a solar panel manufacturer up in the North East and shortly after news broke that they were shipping to China, jobs etc. Now it is economically attractive to set up 5400 acres for solar panels and a factory in Southern Nevada. Something smells.
Foreign companies have been building factories in the United States for years. Toyota, Honda, Nissan all have plants in Tennessee. There are 100's of others around the United States now.
This company is stepping up to build a big plant making something we need right here in Nevada and the United States. They are offering good wages.
The money is flowing back into the United States instead of out of it so what is the problem?
Everyone wants to pin the "China" buying on Walmart. They came to the market late by buying from China. How about W.T. Grants? Woolworth? Montgomery Wards? Sears? Kmart? Target? That is just a few that did and still does a lot of importing but I guess it was not popular to complain about it then.
No "American" company is offering to build this plant and provide the jobs so that is pretty much a moot point in this conversation.
The other day I was accused of helping Korea by owning a Hyundai. I actually had to prove to this person that the car was built in America by Americans, Yeah Hyundai spent 1.8 Billion Dollars 5 miles south of Montgomery Alabama in a little town called Hope Hull.
That's Americans manufacturing cars not for Koreans but for the stock holders of Hyundai.
The American companies are sitting on there cash for one reason and that's to get a better deal.
Is the owner of Fox a foreigner? just asking.
So, we will no doubt have the Chinese finance the deal at 8% and just keep the debt-wagon rolling.
I hope the voters will finally hold "the deciders" accountable for this never ending Chinafication of America.
We have all these expensive federal grants for Clean & Green - only to award the big contracts to the Chinese?
Please vote according and shop accordingly -- If we allow people like Sisolack to do the heavy thinking"we are doomed.
doubledown_deadender
It is our own fault. I am not for the Chinafication of America either, but I look at so many Americans out of work. Families that need to feed the kids and pay the electric bill. You know the problem as well as any. Right now this deal looks like a lifeline, hopefully later we don't see an anchor tied to it.
Am american company could not outbid a company from china. Our manufacturing laws tax laws and unions have squeezed this type of work out of the country. Not to mention the epa.
Just a few observations. Some ask why an American company is not doing this project. I have the feeling that it's more a cultural attitude. American corporate culture demands and rewards short term financials. Whether from breaking up a company and selling it's pieces or eliminating R&D outsourcing or offshoring. American corporations know there is only but a minimal chance of having assets seized but the government. Unlike what happened in the cultural revolution and a number of south american countries. American corporations demand a higher return on investment. I have a gut feeling that the Chinese investors are happy to take a lower return in for the stability offered here. We historically protect our wealthy much better than their own country has. They're taking a huge risk in investing here, but feel the long term stability and eventual long term profitability are worth the risks.
Well,
Cost of living would be cheaper
Every lady that you met wouldnt be an escort,stripper,or housewife from Cali making some quick money to bring back to her hubby sun evening
bullhead city doesnt require me to wear a stupid helmet when riding the harley
i would be an hour closer to EST for some of my favorite tv shows
OH Thats Right I have a home that is undervalued about 55%,and will take 10 years to gain back any appreciation
Sorry Solar Co,but rendered services from me will not be in the plan
Damm,I could have made it work too
peace out
Given the plants proximity to the Colorado river, although it has not been detailed, I'm guessing they will be manufqacturing the actual substrates here. A chip fab requires huge amounts of water.
From an Albany Times Union article http://www.timesunion.com/business/artic... "Last week, the Times Union obtained a report by Empire State Development Corp. on construction of a second water line to the $4.6 billion GlobalFoundries project known as Fab 8" "Fab 8 is expected to use as much as 5.4 million gallons of water a day. "
Now I'm not sure what processes will be taking place in Laughlin, but if they will be using anywhere near the same amount of water, well good luck. Environmental impact studies will be a significant portion of the construction costs and companies providing such services are likely the beneficiaries of the $70,000 salary figures bandied about. Think what has been spent studying Yucca Mt. The physical construction jobs may prove less lucrative. Just sayin'. At any rate, a job is a job, money is money and all in all who can argue about bringing cash into Nevada?
Nevada needs economic diversification in the worst way.
Let the solar, wind, geothermal, and trash to energy power generation plants and industries fill Nevada! There is plenty of room to do this, and we have the workforce, some may need retooling/reeducation, but that is fine, as it also supports education.
This is a nice start, keep it coming, but also do it in a responsible way.
"One megawatt powers 1,000 homes, according to some estimates."
Not in Nevada during summer. Not by a long shot.
@lvfacts:
I feel the same way you do; my gripe is voting: you can't get Americans to stand in line for 5-10 minutes at an unbelieveably convenient early voting site, to choose people who have immense control over our lives, but these same people can't wait to vote on American Idol, or to wait in line for an hour at a buffet, or kill an hour waiting for their tee time or the next bingo game. I consider myself a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, but I sure don't hold out much hope for America.
So more China investors... We should rename the US to China.
Bof,
"My only question is why is a Chinese company doing this instead of an American company?"
That's the right question, but you're not going to like the answer. As another poster already discussed, Corporate America is short-sighted and continually sells out for the the next quarter's profits at the expense of the big picture. Just as an example, Ford Motors *had* been fighting the good fight and opposing the trade pact signed earlier this year with Korea, but then Ford allowed themselves to be bought off by a meager, and temporary, boost in import quotas into Korea. In the long term, American exporters (and Ford) got hosed.
This is why, when faced with mercantilist nations that have a concerted economic policy aimed against us, I believe in having our own economic policy, with government oversight representing the long-term interests of the American economy and worker. Wall Street and Corporate America sure don't give a rat's @** about Main Street America. An economic policy, vis-a-vis our economic competitors is an anathema to hard-core libertarians, but that's what it takes in the world we currently live in.
Commonsense101, the plant will be built inside the U.S. Thus it will conform to the laws of the U.S.
As I read through some of these comments. I must say people are looking at this the wrong way.
First off why is this a Chinese project? Da the big corporations in the USA are to damn cheap and greedy to invest in our country. Be thankful some is stepping up to help the Economy. Hell the NFL and football players are fighting over billions of dollars instead of lowering ticket prices which would help the economy.
Reagan, Bush 1 & 2 along with The Republicans gave all the tax breaks and look what they done with that money. Wow they did not offer to buy or build this project. So be thankful someone is stepping up to help create jobs.
I was born and grew up here in the United States and damn proud of that and always will be. But for the people who do not have enough common sense in this project here is a questions for you.
Do you want jobs? if so shut up about these new founded jobs for Nevada.
Do you want the United States Economy to rebound? if so shut up about these new founded jobs for Nevada.
Do you know the world is now a global economy? if so shut up about these new founded jobs for Nevada.
Did you know with the House Scams and Banking Scams and the debt the world is only steps away from dropping the US dollar as the world currency? if so shut up about these new founded jobs for Nevada.
Know ask yourself these question
If you cut your hand you bleed the same color of blood as they do.
So what is the difference?
They build things and are not greedy like the USA Corporations.
Solar that is installed on rooftops is way better for the economy in the long run. It is more efficient. It pays for itself in a short time. It will help charge electric vehicles. Using taxpayer money to finance a solar farm is just plain wrong. Low income, senior and the disabled population should be given the opportunity to have solar installed on their homes. Having the extra $300 to $400 a month added to their income (via no power bill) will help them with their long term situation.
The jobs created by a solar farm are mostly temporary and who wants another monopoly utility charging residents for power that is made from free sunlight.