Apple reaches deal for 200 MW of new Nevada solar

Apple has reached an agreement with Nevada utility NV Energy to build 200 MW of solar energy in the state by early 2019. 

The project, according to a Jan. 25 news release, will support Apple's renewable energy needs for its Reno data center. 

NV Energy expects to file an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada  in the coming weeks to enter into a power purchase agreement for the solar power plant. The utility, which is a subsidiary of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has been under pressure from other large energy users in the state regarding their renewable energy offerings. 

In the news release, NV Energy said the Apple solar project represents a portion of more than 529 MW of new solar resources it has under construction or under review for approval in the state. Those projects are in addition to the 491 MW of "universal solar resources" in Nevada that serve its customers.

In addition to buying the power from the facility, Apple will also dedicate up to 5 MW of power to NV Energy's future subscription solar program for residential and commercial customers, according to the release.

"Investing in innovative clean energy sources is vital to Apple's commitment to reaching, and maintaining, 100% renewable energy across all our operations," Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives said in a statement. "Our partnership with NV Energy helps assure our customers their iMessages, FaceTime video chats and Siri inquiries are powered by clean energy, and supports efforts to offer the choice of green energy to Nevada residents and businesses."

NV Energy said its customers are served by more than 1,900 MW of renewable resources in Nevada, including 19 geothermal energy resources, 13 solar energy facilities, six hydro plants, one large wind farm and a variety of biomass, methane and other renewable energy projects.