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New Solar Plant Goes Online Near Tonopah

Some Southern Nevada homes are getting their electricity now from a solar farm built by NV Energy.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant, near Tonopah, has come online.

Estimates are the plant will be able to power some 75,000 homes at full capacity.

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The plant is unique in that it can continue to generate power while the sun is down – heat generated throughout the day is stored in molten salt, which is then used to heat water into steam to turn turbines.

Casey Morell is the coordinating producer of Nevada Public Radio's flagship broadcast State of Nevada and one of the station's midday newscast announcers. (He's also been interviewed by Jimmy Fallon, whatever that's worth.)