The University of Nevada, Reno will host a panel discussion on the economic future of Nevada with the renewable energy resources available within the state. This discussion is part of a lecture series hosted by the College of Engineering which is designed to bring distinguished guest speakers and timely topics to the community.

“We are proud to announce our inaugural event, a distinguished panel focusing on renewable energy and the future of Nevada,” Manos Maragakis, dean of the College of Engineering said. The program starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 14. It will be held in Ballroom C in the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University campus.

The discussion is open to the public. The panel will discuss Nevada’s abundant solar, wind, geothermal and other innovative resources that could be developed to meet future energy needs and resurrect the state’s economy. And along with opportunities come challenges, he said.

“The panel of experts will present both the opportunities and challenges and will answer question on engineering, economic, business and policy issues related to a renewable energy program,” Maragakis said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for the general public to get answers on all these important issues.”

Greg Mosier, the dean of the College of Business will introduce the topic and panelists. The moderator will be Michael Hagerty of KNPB, channel 5. The panel includes:

• Terry Page, director of Regulatory and External Affairs for Acciona Solar Power in Henderson;
• Theodore Kniesche, vice president of business development for Fulcrum Bio-energy, Inc. in Storey County;
• Thomas Fair, vice-president of renewable energy for NV Energy in Reno;
• Paul Thomsen, director of policy and business development for Ormat Technologies in Reno;
• Walt Borlan, president and CEO of Windspire in Reno and Jim Croce, CEO of the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization in Reno.