Top 10 Ways Greater Reno-Tahoe is Becoming a Hub for Clean Energy
Nevadans are independent by nature. It is a value we hold dear and that newcomers crave. One
area in which we have lost our independence is in energy consumption. Nevadans spend $9-12
billion per year to purchase coal, natural gas and gasoline/diesel. The time is right for us to
begin to divest ourselves from dependence on petroleum and to invest in clean energy. The
political climate, the economic climate and Greater Reno-Tahoe’s clean energy natural
resources make this the ideal time and place to develop geothermal, solar and wind energy.
Let’s look at the top 10 ways Greater-Reno Tahoe and Nevada are becoming a hub for clean
energy in America:
1. Ranks first for geothermal resources. Nevada leads the nation in geothermal resources
with the largest untapped geothermal resources in the country and the potential for up to 3,700
megawatts of geothermal power production. There are 489 megawatts in production or
development in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area, currently generating 110 watts per person
(California produces less than 70 watts). Geothermal energy is a clean, constant source of
energy with only minimal emissions.
2. Reno is generating geothermal power for residential load. Nevada’s second largest city is
the only one in the country with a population of more than 100,000 that is capable of generating
enough power through geothermal energy to supply its entire residential load. Ormat
Technologies’ geothermal plant in Reno can produce enough energy for roughly 300,000 people
- enough to serve the city’s population.
3. Ranks first in solar energy production. Nevada is No. 1 in solar energy production per
capita in the nation generating 33 watts per person (California produces 18 watts per person)
and No. 1 in solar resources. And, with Greater Reno-Tahoe averaging 300 days of sunshine
per year we’re in the perfect position to harness this natural abundance.
4. Home to the largest photovoltaic installations in North America. The Silver State boasts
Nevada Solar One, the largest solar thermal power plant built in the last 18 years. And that is
just the beginning. The Bureau of Land Management is currently processing permits for 23 solar
thermal projects that represent an additional 15,000 megawatts.
The state legislature has created SolarGenerations, WindGenerations and HydroGenerations
programs. These programs offer rebates to citizens to install solar, wind and small hydro
systems on their property. The rebates are designed to lower the upfront cost of the systems to
encourage installation.
5. The City of Reno is making clean energy usage easier. Reno has adopted codes to
make it easier for citizens to install clean energy systems by removing the special use permit
process and setting up guidelines and restrictions that more closely match those of non clean
energy systems, such as air conditioners.
6. Wind resources are abundant. The Bureau of Land Management’s study of wind
resources in Nevada found that we have more than 24 million acres of land within ten miles of
existing transmission lines classifed as good to outstanding for development with current
technologies. If we excluded environmentally sensitive lands and lands with conflicting use, and
only developed the remaining portion, we could generate 63 million megawatt-hours - that is
280 percent of the entire state's current consumption through wind energy alone.
7. Most aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard in nation. The 2001 legislature took the
first step toward energy independence by requiring Sierra Pacific Resources to purchase
alternative energy. The legislators created a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that required
20 percent of energy be provided through renewable sources by 2015. It is the most aggressive
standard in the nation as Nevada is one of only two states (California is the other) to have its
RPS receive an A-rating from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Studies show at the 20
percent level the RPS will generate $664 million per year to the Nevada economy.
8. State legislature provides LEED tax abatement. Companies have an incentive to do
business in Greater Reno-Tahoe and throughout the state with the legislature providing up to 35
percent tax abatement for up to 10 years on real property for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) buildings. Due in large part to this incentive, the Echelon Place in
Las Vegas became the world’s largest LEED-certified facility and nearly doubled the total
amount of square feet for LEED certified buildings. The MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter is setting a
new standard in LEED-certified construction. The 76-acre mixed-use project along the Vegas
Strip is the largest privately financed real estate project in the United States and will host its own
energy-efficient power plant and people mover.
In Greater Reno-Tahoe you can view innovative examples of green buildings at the Patagonia
distribution center, the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno campus,
the Somersett Town Square, Cathexes Architecture, Kiley Ranch visitor center, the 8 on Center
residences, and the Tahoe Center of Environmental Sciences.
9. Greater Reno-Tahoe’s research institutions advancing technology. The Desert
Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno are among the top research institutions
leading the way in advancing clean energy technology. Both have Renewable Energy Center’s
dedicated to leveraging each institution’s particular research strengths into clean energy
technologies. The outstanding research being done in these fields has led to the creation of the
Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC). The purpose of NIREC is
to partner the researchers at these institutions with entrepreneurs in residence to prepare the
technologies for the commercial market - and eventually into all of our homes.
10. America’s first public biodiesel fueling station was opened Greater Reno-Tahoe. The
RTC buses and most of the local government fleets run biodiesel in their vehicles. Bently
Biodiesel is opening a fueling station that only offers biodiesel and ethanol blends in Minden.
Clean energy technology companies are key to a thriving economy and core to the mission of
the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) which is working to recruit,
expand and start up these companies in Greater Reno-Tahoe. According to research EDAWN
conducted, 61 percent of the community wants to see more clean energy technology industries.
Companies like Altairnano, Inc.; ENEL North America; GE Energy; and Ormat Technologies
which is headquartered in Reno. To join the Greater Reno-Tahoe clean energy movement, go
to www.edawn.org or call 829.3705.
Dr.Jason Geddes, Environmental Services Administrator for the City of Reno and the Clean
Energy Industry Advisor to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada
