The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved both of Fleet Data Center’s proposed gas power plants near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Storey County during its Sept. 17 meeting.
The first power plant is called the South Valley Energy Generation Facility. The 144-megawatt power plant is designed by Corgan. The second power plant, Peru Ridge Self-Generation Project, is larger at 218 megawatts.
The two plants will be the first gas-powered facilities in Nevada to be built specifically for data centers. The power plants are anticipated to operate for two-to-three years. NV Energy is expected to provide a more permanent solution after that time frame.
PUCN’s approval is conditional on subsequent approvals from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and Storey County.
Editor’s Note: The two power plants have appeared in a magazine-exclusive article of NVBEX.
The meeting had an extensive, nearly three-hour public comment period. Residents shared concerns regarding air pollution, climate impacts, the local environment and quality of life. Nevadans for Clean Affordable Reliable Energy’s representative, Western Resource Advocates, previously intervened during a July 30 hearing, arguing the power plants go against Nevada’s renewable energy mandate.
PUCN members noted they are unable to consider public comments as evidence when making decisions. Additionally, Fleet representatives argued they are not subject to the renewable energy mandate as they are not an energy provider.
NCARE found the gas plants are expected to burn three times as much methane gas as Northern Nevada residential and commercial customers used from NV Energy in 2025. This is enough to increase emissions by roughly 12%. (Source: Nevada Current)
