Strategy 4: Produce cleaner energy
To reduce emissions, we need to burn fossil fuels less often. Currently, fossil fuels like natural gas are used to generate the energy we need for our homes and businesses. Washoe County’s primary energy provider, NV Energy, has committed to 100% carbon-free sources by 2050 and 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Washoe County supports NV Energy’s goals, including expanded options for residents and businesses to access and generate renewable energy in their communities.
Tier 1 Actions
38. Review NV Energy's progress toward commitment of 50% electricity from renewable sources by 2030; help remove barriers.39. Identify new federal programs to implement related to solar energy (eg R-PACE); apply to new grants supporting expanded solar capacity
40. Identify opportunities and expand distributed energy resources like Community Solar, Solar Gardens, microgrids, smart-grids, behind-the-meter technology, and net metering.
41. Promote financing options available through the existing Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program for local businesses.
42. Speed and streamline residential and commercial solar permitting through programs like SolSmart.
43. Support implementation of grants, incentives and other federal funding opportunities to expand solar, especially for low-income residents. (eg Nevada Clean Energy Fund's implementation of its Solar for All)
44. Increase use of Washoe County’s renewable geothermal energy by ensuring that builders understand and consider geothermal options during the pre-construction phase of new buildings.
Tier 2 Actions
69. Provide input to NV Energy in advance of its next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in 2028 to ensure NV Energy is set up for success to meet goal of 100% carbon-free resources by 2050
70. Support the development of more binary technology geothermal power sources.
71. Explore opportunities to expand wind energy generation (eg I-80 corridor or private residence micro turbines).
72. Partner with community members in a Low Income, Disadvantaged Community (LIDAC) to implement a holistic low carbon transformation project. (Demonstration project / pilot)
73. Support planning and implementation of new renewable energy, energy storage, grid enhancement, green hydrogen, and biofuel systems.