The Inland Northwest faces some interesting energy and water-related challenges. For example, will the region continue to be able to generate enough hydropower to meet the demand, especially if companies build a bunch of data centers? How will the region’s continued drought affect water supply, even in places like the Spokane County-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which is considered stable?
Three Spokane area companies (Avista, Itron and McKinstry) have created the Novara Energy Alliance to consider these problems and find solutions. We talk with Kim Pearman-Gillman, its interim chief executive, and Dale Silha from McKinstry, one of its board members.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.…