Nevada approves $333 million natural gas plant as historic drought pressures state’s power grid

Nevada’s largest electrical energy supplier has been authorised for a $333 million challenge to develop a pure gasoline plant north of Las Vegas, as excessive drought circumstances put mounting stress on the area’s energy grid.

Nevada’s Public Utilities Fee authorised the plan, which includes two pure gas-fired generators designed to deal with peak electrical energy demand throughout sizzling summer time months and extended wildfire seasons. The developer, NV Power, expects the generators to be operational by July 2024.

The Western U.S is within the midst of a historic megadrought, depleting water ranges on the Colorado River’s reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Declining reservoir provide has prompted considerations over the way forward for hydroelectric energy era on the river’s Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam.

Pure gasoline presents its personal challenges. Some environmental teams have argued {that a} new plant will jeopardize Nevada’s local weather and clear power agenda. The state has dedicated to a carbon-free energy grid by 2050 and hasn’t constructed a brand new pure gasoline plant in over a decade.

Greater than two-thirds of Nevada’s electrical energy is produced by pure gas-fired energy crops, whereas renewables comprise many of the relaxation, in accordance with the state’s power report.

Angelyn Tabalba, a spokesperson for the Nevada Conservation League, stated in an announcement the plan is shortsighted and would have long-term penalties for the atmosphere and the state’s clear power objectives.

“For a state thought of to be a clear power chief, this resolution sends the improper message to different power corporations and undermines the progress that we’ve got made in the direction of a cleaner, extra sustainable future,” Tabalba stated.

The first part of pure gasoline is methane, which is 84 instances stronger than carbon dioxide however does not final as lengthy within the environment earlier than it breaks down. Scientists have stated that limiting methane is critical to keep away from the worst penalties of local weather change.

Nevertheless, NV Power has stated that whereas it’s going to proceed to burn pure gasoline, the plan does not alter the corporate’s clear power objectives or its dedication to Nevada’s carbon-free energy grid goal.

NV Power claims the generators have minimal greenhouse gasoline emissions, for the reason that models will run solely within the hotter summer time months and shall be restricted to working for about 700 hours every year. The generators shall be positioned on the firm’s Silverhawk Producing Station gasoline plant north of Las Vegas.

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