DOE boosts Nevada’s solar energy project

Tuesday, July 2, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

SUN STAFF REPORTS

The U.S. Department of Energy has promised to buy 10 megawatts of solar power from the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, giving a big boost to plans for Nevada to host a major alternative energy project.

The DOE's promise marks the first official business for Southern Nevada's fledgling solar production program, said Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., interim board chairman of CSTRR, who attend a signing ceremony Monday.

CSTRR has been working with the DOE to develop a solar enterprise zone in Nevada to establish the state as the leader in solar research, technology and power generation. The first generation is expected in three to five years.

Terry Vaeth, acting manager of the DOE's Nevada Operations Office, said the power would be used at the Nevada Test Site, 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

With the DOE signed on as the first customer, other federal agencies could follow, said Rose McKinney-James, CSTRR president and chief executive officer.

About 50 energy managers from federal agencies around the West met in Las Vegas last week to explore opportunities to purchase CSTRR power.