Quality of Life Indicators

renewable energy sources -- updated 1/28/12

Become a member to download indicator data

In 1997, Nevada lawmakers moved to require the state’s largest electric utilities to acquire power from renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, solar, biomass, landfill gas, and waste heat recovery. Originally the goal was for 1% of the energy utilities sell to customers to come from these sources by 2010. In 2001 the state toughened the standard significantly, making the requirement 15% by 2013, and in 2005 lawmakers raised the bar again, requiring 20% by 2015.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has been fully supported by NV Energy (previously Sierra Pacific Resources) as responsible sustainable energy strategy for the state. Today, Nevada’s RPS requires NV Energy to supply at least 25% of retail energy sales from renewable sources by 2025; up to 25% can come from energy efficiency/ conservation and a minimum of 6% must come from solar sources. NV Energy has 1,240 MW currently under contract in its renewable energy portfolio, including new biomass/biogas projects, wasteheat and wind projects. NV Energy met the RPS in 2008, has met the solar energy requirement each year, and surpassed the RPS requirements in 2009 in northern Nevada but missed the mark in southern Nevada due to renewal project delays, cancellations or renewable energy under-production.

According to the Nevada Vision Stakeholder Group, September 2010 report, improved access to federal lands for renewable energy development could increase alternative energy production by 50% over the next 20-years. The proposed north-south transmission line will provide infrastructure access to the energy grid with geothermal resources from the north and solar from the south. Nevada already has a network of expertise including experienced renewable energy employees, engineering and training programs, and suppliers. Consequently, renewable energy plays a large role in job creation and workforce development, emergency preparedness and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, all necessary for Nevada to be economically competitive.

NV Energy’s renewable energy sources map

NV Energy’s renewable energy brochure BLM fast-track renewal energy projects

Currently, Nevada ranks #1 in the nation in installed solar watts per capita, with the addition of the 64MW Nevada Solar One10-megawatt project at Nellis Air Force Base, the largest solar-photovoltaic project in the country.

The Peppermill Resort Casino is the only US resort using 100% geothermal energy for water and heating needs. Geothermal isn't new in Nevada. Sierra Pacific Power signed its first geothermal contract in 1983. UNR recently received a $1.2 million DOE grant to develop the National Geothermal Institute (part of a consortium of geothermal schools) at the Redfield Campus. TMCC has more than 100 students currently registered for renewable energy courses. According to the Geothermal Energy Association's, April 2010, US Geothermal Power Production & Development Update, Nevada ranked #1 in installed geothermal energy capacity per capita; installed capacity is currently 433 MW but Nevada could add as much as 3,600 MW under development.

Reno's first wind turbine was built at the Cathexes Building, 250 Bell Street downtown in 2009, and 2-1.5 KW vertical axis wind turbines are now installed on the roof of City Hall [City of Reno Green Energy Dashboard link]. Washoe County voted last year to allow a 44-turbine wind farm on private easements north of Sparks in the Pah Rah Range, 10-miles from Pyramid Hwy. This year, Washoe County also installed solar panels to generate electricity at the administration complex and senior center on 9th Street, plus the Northwest Library. The City of Sparks also installed a rooftop solar project at the Larry D. Johnson Community Center on 12th Street, and will install a second solar project at the city's police department, each funded through grants and rebates.

NV Energy also participates with the Desert Research Institute to provide grants for GreenPower solar and wind generators at participating schools; and has worked with Black Rock Solar to install panels for the Holland Project music venue and Rainshadow Community Charter High School. WCSD will also install solar systems at 23 schools in 2010, as part of a $1.4 million grant from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.

Efforts will be made to report the amount of renewable energy used by customers in the future, as well as what customers are selling back to the utility. Find out how big your carbon footprint is and how you can reduce greenhouse gases.

alternative fueled vehicles -- updated 5/23/11

Become a member to download indicator data

Alternatives to traditional transportation fuels is a new data measure. As additional data is available, TMT will continue to track this measure for northern Nevada.

Cars.com ranked Reno #50 on its green cities 2010 list based upon the percentage of searches for hybrid vehicles on its Web site.

TransAtlas is an interactive map that uses a Google Maps interface to display existing and planned alternative fueling stations.”