Nevada will be home to the world's largest solar energy testing facility, U.S. Sen. Harry Reid announced Thursday.
The facility will be housed at the Nevada Test Site in Southern Nevada to demonstrate and test new solar technologies. It was one of 267 possible locations the U.S. Department of Energy considered for the 25-square-mile project.
"I am very pleased, but not surprised, that Nevada has been chosen as the site for this cutting-edge project," Reid said. "Nevada stands to be the leader in solar power production and technology development, especially with this kind of positive support from our federal partners."
Reid was joined by Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar at the announcement.
"The Nevada Test Site is about to play a new role in securing America's future - but instead of testing nuclear weapons, we will test new solar technologies that will help put America on a sustainable energy path," said Chu.