Sandoval Speaks on Renewable Energy Economic Development

Governor Brian Sandoval encouraged developers with renewable energy projects to consider Nevada as a place to do business during an event hosted by the Clean Energy Project (CEP), a Las Vegas-based non-profit that advocates renewable energy projects.

Sandoval's remarks came during the CEP unveiling of a white paper detailing the enormous strides Nevada has made to promote renewable energy. This includes a capital investment of $5.5 billion since 2010 for clean energy projects, which produce 1,500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy and have employed nearly 3,000 Nevada construction workers at an average salary of $37.30 per hour.

"Nevada's business friendly climate, streamlined permitting, and enhanced incentives offered through my Office of Energy have proven to developers around the world that Nevada means business," Sandoval said to an assembly of industry leaders. "I'm committed to the development and exportation of renewable energy by removing barriers and developing better business models."

Sandoval drew inspiration from the white paper, which described Nevada successes in three major renewable energy areas:

1. Solar power generated assets of $2.3 billion, which includes $220 million in residential solar rooftops and the rest from utility-scale projects like Sempra's Copper Mountain 1, 2, and 3 in Clark County.
2. Geothermal power investments that have led to 32 operating geothermal power plants currently producing 566 MW of renewable power, more than any other state except California.
3. Wind power assets that include the 152 MW Spring Valley Project in White Pine County.

Highlighted in the white paper is the fact that Nevada has cemented its status as a renewable energy hub and will host four major trade conferences for national renewable energy groups in 2014:

1. The American Wind Energy Association wind energy conference and exposition, WINDPOWER, in Las Vegas, May 5-8, 2014.
2. The Geothermal Energy Association National Geothermal Summit in Reno, August 5-6, 2014.  
3. The National Clean Energy Summit 7.0 in Las Vegas in early September, 2014.
4. The Solar Energy Industry Association annual event, Solar Power International, in Las Vegas, October 20-23, 2014.

“These trade associations find their way back to Nevada time and time again because of the Silver State’s proud renewable energy history,” Sandoval said.

His remarks occurred in front of the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign in downtown Las Vegas, a sign that has been solar powered since January 2014. He encouraged renewable energy developers to contact the Governor’s Office of Energy and learn more about incentive programs:http://energy.nv.gov/Programs/Renewable_Energy_Tax_Abatements.   

About the Governor’s Office of Energy

The Governor’s Office of Energy oversees energy programs required through statute and those that help to meet the mission of the office, which is to ensure the wise development of Nevada’s energy resources in harmony with local community economic needs and Nevada natural resources. For more information about GOE, please visit energy.nv.gov.