NV EXPECTS NEW ENERGY BOOM

Energy office director: Renewable energy industry will see explosive growth
Jim Groth, December 27, 2009 (Las Vegas Sun)

"By 2020, solar and alternative-energy-related businesses will surpass gaming and mining as [Nevada’s] growth industries…[The state] currently produces 100 megawatts of solar energy. Over the next 10 years that will multiply by 1,000 percent.

"The state could come to resemble Detroit during its boom after World War II, when the auto industry took off. Developing solar, particularly in Southern Nevada, will attract equipment manufacturers. That will, in turn, attract other job-creating industries."

Nevada has some of the best solar assets in the nation. (click to enlarge)

"The state [which now imports 38% of its 8,000 megawatt power consumption] should begin to export some of its [New Energy] to California or Oregon…That could lead to more stable power bills for homeowners, who now face 3 percent to 4 percent increases in their energy bills.

"…Geothermal power generates 400 megawatts, most of it in Northern Nevada. By 2020, that should expand to 1,200 megawatts…Wind power will also develop…[but] winds in Nevada are gusty…"

Nevada's geothermal assets are so good they virtually obscure the state on this map. (click to enlarge)

"Traditional power plants will still be needed [through 2020 but efficiencies will streamline use]…Homes will have computer units that alert owners when lights are on and a person is not in the room. More existing and new homes and businesses will be retrofitted to use solar, geothermal and wind power. Most vehicles will be hybrid or electric…

"All this will cost money, and that’s the key question on whether this all happens…The $17.5 million solar power project that will produce energy for three National Guard bases…is one example of how to pay…The state isn’t putting up a dollar. The company, Sierra Solar LLC, is building the project using federal tax breaks and other incentives. The National Guard will pay 15 cents a kilowatt hour for 20 years, thus avoiding an expected rise in its power bills far beyond 2020."