President Obama wrapped up his two-day visit to Las Vegas at Nellis Air Force Base Wednesday, where he called for a "renewable energy revolution." It was the perfect setting as the president toured Nellis' photovoltaic system. And as News 3's Hetty Chang reports, the president seemed very impressed.
President Obama joined Senator Harry Reid on walking tour of the photovoltaic system, the largest solar plant of its kind in the western hemisphere. When he arrived, the president said, "This is pretty neat stuff out here."
And that's the only part News 3 was able to hear from his tour of Nellis' solar plant. Our crew, long with the president's press corp, were kept in the background as Colonel Howard Belote gave President Obama and Senator Reid a quick, ten minute walking tour.
North America's largest photovoltaic system is 140 acres, with 72,000 solar panels that provide 25 percent of the energy used on the entire air force base. At the news conference following the tour, President Obama also announced federal funds to help develop renewable energy.
"First is a solar energy technology program that will help replicate the success of the Nellis project in cities and states across America. Because, in this case, what happens in Vegas should not always stay in Vegas. This base serves as a shining example of what's possible when we harness the power of clean, renewable energy to build a new firmer foundation for economic growth."
The other funding the president discussed will be put toward developing geothermal energy. A total of $467 million will be used to develop green energy sources in the next few years.
After his tour of the air force base, President Obama boarded Air Force One; he traveled to Los Angeles to attend a political fundraiser for the Democratic party in Beverly Hills. Wednesday night, he's appearing at a star-studded dinner with host Steven Spielberg.
And although it didn't receive any presidential attention Wednesday, the world's third largest "concentrating" solar plant is right here in Nevada as well. Nevada Solar One near Boulder City can produce enough energy to power 14,000 homes.
All the plant needs is a sunny day. It produces power by concentrating the sun's rays onto a small tube filled with oil. When the oil becomes hot, it produces steam, which turns turbines that make electricity.
Right now, all 64 megawatts are sold to NV Energy to help it meet its renewable energy needs. Nevada Solar One may expand in the future; however, a spokesperson says the company doesn't have any immediate plans.
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