NV Energy and Apple announced today they have reached an agreement to build 200 MW of additional solar energy in Nevada by early 2019. The projects will support Apple’s renewable energy needs for its Reno data center.
In the coming weeks, NV Energy will file an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to enter into a PPA for the solar power plant. The project will bring NV Energy’s total to more than 529 MW of new solar resources in construction in Nevada or under review for approval. This is in addition to the 491 MW of universal solar resources in Nevada currently serving NV Energy customers. Apple will also dedicate up to 5 MW of power to NV Energy’s future subscription solar program for residential and commercial customers.
“We are proud to play a role in helping Apple meet their energy needs with Nevada’s abundant solar resource,” said Paul Caudill, president and CEO of NV Energy. “In partnership with our customers, we continue to develop a more balanced fuel mix in a way that benefits the local economy by providing hundreds of jobs for Nevadans, particularly those in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 357 and 396, and advances the state’s policy goals.”
“Investing in innovative clean energy sources is vital to Apple’s commitment to reaching, and maintaining, 100 percent renewable energy across all our operations,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives. “Our partnership with NV Energy helps assure our customers their iMessages, FaceTime video chats and Siri inquiries are powered by clean energy, and supports efforts to offer the choice of green energy to Nevada residents and businesses.”
Currently, NV Energy customers are served by more than 1,900 MW of renewable resources in Nevada, including 19 geothermal energy resources, 13 solar energy facilities, six hydro plants, one large wind farm and a variety of biomass, methane and other renewable energy projects.
News item from NV Energy