Sustainable Lifestyles: Hot Air, Hot Water, Geothermal and the Governor
By Nicoletta Florio / Big George Green Consulting
CARSON CITY — In politics, it is generally considered bad news if a governor is regularly associated with the terms “hot air” and “hot water.” In Nevada however, these associations, according to Governor Brian Sandoval, are easily acceptable.
As an experienced energy lawyer, governor Sandoval understands the importance of cleaner energy systems and the benefits to Nevada, of having geothermal as one of its primary green industries related to energy.
Hot News
During a March press conference for Ram Power Corporation, the concept of the capture and utilization of Nevadaʼs great geothermal capacity, was being announced by the current executive Vice President, Dan Schochet. Ram Power Corporation is, one of Nevadaʼs top geothermal producers.
Ram Power was established in late 2009 as the result of a merger of Mr. Schochetʼs 30 year-old company and two other long-standing geothermal organizations. Listed as RPG on the NYSE, it has accrued more than 2 million dollars in funding and currently employs a staff of 45 people in the U. S., and 150 people in Nicaragua.
Ram Statistics:
— Currently working on 4 development projects
Construction:
— 72 MW plant in Nicaragua
— 26 MW plant in Northern California
— 50 MW plant in Southern California
— 40 MW plant in Colorado
When all of the Ram Power projects are complete they will have placed about 200 people in high-tech jobs. By doing this, Mr Schochet says, they “hope to contribute to their share-holder values.”
Geothermalʼs Payoff in Nevada
— Geothermal energy currently powers 225 thousand homes
— Geothermal industry supports the state through taxes and royalties
— Geothermal industry will invest 2.5 billion in materials and infrastructure
— Geothermal industry will add 4 thousand additional jobs
In the Hot Seat
Of all the times in history for Governor Sandoval to run, this time in relation to green energy futures, was the perfect time. In his opening statement at the Ram press conference he stated, “Geothermal has a big future in Nevada.”
Nevada is geographically ideal for a variety of sustainable energies, geothermal in particular, due to the hot spots that lie beneath it. In 1984 the first geothermal plant in Nevada opened in Wabuska. Today, there are more than 20 facilities here, creating more than 300 megawatts of power.
According to Chuck Alvey of Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, “Nevada is one of the top 5 communities in the world for geothermal.”
In his closing remarks at the Ram Power Corp meeting, governor Sandoval made it clear that he supports Nevada as “an industrial leader in policy and initiatives in government”, emphasizing that “Nevada wants to lead the way (in Geothermal).”
Being in the “hot seat” it seems, is not such a bad place after all.
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