Wind Power from the Pah Rah Range

Nevada Wind, a power development company based in Las Vegas, recently submitted an application to Washoe County planners seeking a use permit to plant up to 50 wind turbines atop the Pah Rah Range. These mountains are the eastern backdrop to Sparks and its Spanish Springs Valley, running north-south almost to the Truckee River. This is not yet a done deal, but according to John Berkich of Washoe County, hearings on the project may be held by the planning commission and county commission this fall. The proposed timeline has construction starting in 2009, first power generation in 2010, and completion by 2013.

Tim Carlson of Nevada Wind said 50 turbines would generate enough electricity for 125,000 homes. His project would sell the power to Sierra Pacific Power, an arrangement similar to what Ormat Technologies does with power from its geothermal plant just south of Reno. Sierra Pacific has a vested interest in alternative energy sources since state law requires the company to get 20% of its power from such sources by 2013.

Meanwhile, numerous other wind power projects are in the works around Nevada, promoted by Nevada Wind and other companies. Sparsely populated White Pine County in far eastern Nevada is the location of most of these projects, but others may sprout up in Lincoln, Elko, Carson City, and Storey Counties. Learn more about this technology and how it is shaking out in Nevada at the Wind Power Nevada website.

Want to know more about wind power? Read this article on About.com: Environmental Issues - What is Wind Power and How Does It Work?

Source: Northern Nevada Business Weekly and Reno News and Review.