Renewable-energy resources subject of Elko conference

Nevada's Commission on Economic Development will hold an all-day conference in Elko next week to talk about renewable-energy resources in the state.

The focus of the Oct. 27 conference is how to develop economic benefits from those resources - particularly in rural Nevada.

"Nevada has a key to an unopened door leading to further economic growth and development," said Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, who chairs the commission.

She said Nevada has huge potential to develop wind, solar and geothermal energy and that exploration and development would create numerous employment opportunities for highly skilled workers.

She said in 2002, Nevada paid $2.5 billion to out of state energy producers. Developing the state's untapped renewable energy resources, she said, could reduce the need to import energy.

Tim Rubald, interim director of the economic development commission, said six experts have signed on to make presentations at the Nevada Conference on Economics and Energy. Dean Alford is a hydrologist with Converse Consultants who will discuss development of geothermal energy.

Dan Schocket of ORMAT Nevada will discuss market opportunities for geothermal resources.

George Sterzinger will discuss Nevada's renewable energy potential and the potential positive economic impacts.

Carolyn Barbash of Sierra Pacific Resources will discuss getting geothermal, solar and wind energy to market.

Gary Bailey of Solargenix will discuss the process of bringing a solar plant to Nevada.

And Peter Konesky, Gov. Kenny Guinn's energy adviser, will address the resources and infrastructure needed in rural Nevada to produce renewable energy.

The conference will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elko Convention Center.