ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
The Power of Nevada

In the coming decades, solar, wind and geothermal power will form the cornerstone of Nevada’s economy, and businesses around the globe are taking notice.  Nevada is not only appealing to entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from a business standpoint, but also from an environmental one.

The resources needed, including valuable wide-open spaces, for all three clean energy disciplines are extremely abundant in Nevada. Legislation is already in place that benefits businesses focused on the development, transmission and use of clean energy.  The overriding attitude in the Silver State is energy independence!

In 2008, nearly 600 renewable energy projects across Nevada are either on-line or under development. Southern Nevada is home to the world’s largest solar thermal power plant. And to the north, Reno is the only city in the United States with a population greater than 100,000 whose electricity needs can be met solely by the geothermal market.

The demand for clean energy is guaranteed to rise in Nevada, thanks to eco-friendly laws. In 1997, a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) was enacted which requires the state’s investor-owned utility to use eligible renewable energy sources to supply a minimum percentage of the total electricity it sells. While just 9% is required in 2008, the percentage will increase until 2015, when 20% of the energy sold in the state must come from clean sources. With other western states following suit, the abundant clean energy generated in Nevada can be exported as well, further securing investments here in the state.

Ranked #1 in geothermal resources and #4 in solar power resources by Forbes.com in July 2008, Nevada offers tremendous potential for environmentally-friendly companies to grow and succeed. As the NCED celebrates its 25th anniversary, we take great pride in the fact that Nevada is emerging as one of the nation’s leaders in clean energy, earning the unofficial title of the Green State.

Please click below for more information about Green Nevada.

• Green means Business Gold
• Geothermal
• Solar
• Wind
• Nevada State Office of Energy