The new Nothern Nevada Correctional Center is capable of generating heat and electricity by using waste products from the forest. The large renewable energy complex processes wood chips in a heat and power plant, that generates hot water, steam, and electricity. The excess electricity generated, approximately 8 million kW per year, is sold.

A projected $9 million in energy costs will be saved throughout the next 20 years by the new Correctional Center. Using renewable energy resources as a way to save money on utility costs couldn't come soon enough, as industries, businesses, and families are being hit by rising energy costs of all kinds.

A wood-fired biomass boiler with a 1,000-kilowatt steam turbine generator and 30-kW photovoltaic solar system is housed within the new Correctional Center. Since the complex is not dependant on natural gas, the quality of the surrounding air and water should be better, as the forest waste is disposed in an evironmentally friendly way.

Before the forest waste can be disposed of in the Correctional Center, it must first be processed into a form that can be used, and that is done at Carson City Renewable Resources Inc. Under controlled conditions the forest waste is burned producing levels of emissions that are well below the standards of the state.

The Correctional Center is manned by inmates all day and night, under supervision of the staff of course. The $8.3 million Center will be creating a revenue stream by selling the excess electricity to Sierra Pacific Power Co.

As more companies make the move to provide more energy efficient renewable resources, it's possible that industrial facilities, healthcare facilities, as well as educational institutions could also provide alternative energy that will also be profitable.

What do you think about the possibility of these facilities? Let me know in my alternative energy forum...

Dave Earley

Resource

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