One of the best parts of my job is getting to travel around our big, open state. The history and natural beauty of the area is always underappreciated. This week brings me to Goldfield, with a stopover in Tonopah.
We are here representing Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in front of the Esmeralda County Commission. LRE is a part of a group of solar developers known as the Esmeralda 7, which is trying to build solar arrays in the county, which will contribute to Nevada’s ability to maximize renewable energy resources. This project is a big part of our ability to increase our generation sources to meet our increased demands, and to do so in a way that is sustainable as well.
Ever since I started my state service career in the Nevada Lieutenant Governor’s Office back in 2007, I have heard Nevada referred to as “the Saudi Arabia of Renewable Resources.” Hyperbole or not, the nickname does have some merit to it. Nevada is uniquely positioned with geothermal resources, consecutive days of sunlight for solar generation, and the ability to have significant wind power generation in the future. As we point out as often as we can through the Nevada Battery Coalition, Nevada is also emerging as a national and global leader in the energy storage space as well.
The federal government, which manages most of Nevada’s public lands, has recognized Nevada’s ability to lead in the energy transition in a number of ways in recent years, too. With respect to Nevada’s potential to generate solar energy, the Bureau of Land Management recently released its solar development plan for future development in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. This plan is a significant step forward, allowing Nevada to fulfill its potential for meeting future energy demands.
Traveling throughout the state is a great reminder of all that is out here, and all of the potential for the future. Small towns across Nevada are changing and revitalizing, their economies are diversifying, and the people who live in them are benefiting directly. And it will continue as long as our state chooses to be a leader in the energy transition.
