Gov. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., has released the Phase 1 report prepared by the Renewable Energy Transmission Access Advisory Committee (RETAAC). Gibbons created this advisory committee in May 2007 to identify potential development locations for renewable energy and assess existing and planned transmission access to these resources. He also charged the committee to make recommendations for additional transmission lines.
Nevada currently spends over $6 billion dollars a year on imported energy, including electricity, natural gas and transportation fuel.
‘Identifying and developing transmission lines that can assist our energy producers in bringing renewable resources to the marketplace is critical for the successful development of Nevada's natural resources,’ says Hatice Gecol, Gibbons' energy advisor.
The Phase 1 report identifies 12 wind zones, four solar zones, six geothermal zones and four biomass zones for potential commercial development. Following an assessment of current transmission grid access, the committee also made recommendations for construction of transmission lines and collector systems that will enable access for renewable energy development in each of the identified renewable energy zones. This will include expansion of the transmission line to connect Nevada's northern and southern electric grids.
For more information, go to gov.state.nv.us
