NV Energy seeks to convert final coal plant to natural gas – The Nevada Independent
NV Energy seeks to convert final coal plant to natural gas – The ... The Nevada Independent
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NV Energy to Convert Last Coal Generation Plant to Natural Gas
NV Energy has announced its intention to convert its last coal generation plant to natural gas, as part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Retirement Plan and Carbon Emission Reduction
The utility will file an amendment to its 2021 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) later this month, outlining the retirement plan for the North Valmy Generating Station near Battle Mountain. This retirement has been scheduled for 2025, but NV Energy had not previously publicly announced the details.
The conversion to natural gas is expected to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent, while still providing power to hundreds of thousands of rural Nevadans.
Commitment to Reduce Carbon Emissions
NV Energy’s President and CEO, Doug Cannon, stated in a press release that the amendment reflects the utility’s commitment to balance the stability and reliability of the energy grid with the goal of reducing carbon emissions. By eliminating coal from its system, NV Energy is working towards delivering on its commitment to reduce carbon emissions for Nevada.
Sustainable Development Goals and Legislative Requirements
In 2019, the Nevada Legislature passed Senate Bill 358, which requires the state to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050. This legislative requirement aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
The 2020 State Climate Strategy, introduced under former Gov. Steve Sisolak, emphasized the need to transition away from natural gas in order to achieve Nevada’s long-term goal of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The State Climate Strategy is currently under revision under Gov. Joe Lombardo’s leadership.
Project Details and Cost
The North Valmy Generating Station, which began operating in the early 1980s, used coal shipped from Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. The two plants at the station have a peak generating capacity of 522 megawatts, enough to serve approximately 315,000 Nevada households.
In addition to the conversion plan, the amendment includes the purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt solar plant and a 400-megawatt battery storage system in Northern Nevada. NV Energy is also seeking approval for additional transmission infrastructure, including in the city of North Las Vegas.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $1.841 billion.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Conversion of coal generation plant to natural gas – Purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt solar plant – Purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt battery storage system |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters | – Reduction of carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Approval for additional transmission infrastructure, including in the city of North Las Vegas |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses NV Energy’s plan to convert its last coal generation plant to natural gas, as well as the purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt solar plant and a 400-megawatt battery storage system. These actions align with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions that the conversion of the coal generation plant to natural gas will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article states that NV Energy is seeking approval for additional transmission infrastructure, including in the city of North Las Vegas. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
The article mentions the purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt solar plant and a 400-megawatt battery storage system. These actions contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, as stated in Target 7.2.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
The article highlights that the conversion of the coal generation plant to natural gas will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent. This action strengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, as stated in Target 13.1.
Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
The article mentions NV Energy’s plan to seek approval for additional transmission infrastructure. This action aligns with Target 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article provides indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- – Conversion of coal generation plant to natural gas: This indicates progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (Target 7.2).
- – Reduction of carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent: This indicates progress towards strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters (Target 13.1).
- – Approval for additional transmission infrastructure: This indicates progress towards upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable (Target 9.4).
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Conversion of coal generation plant to natural gas – Purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt solar plant – Purchase, installation, and operation of a 400-megawatt battery storage system |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters | – Reduction of carbon emissions by nearly 50 percent |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Approval for additional transmission infrastructure, including in the city of North Las Vegas |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thenevadaindependent.com
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