Nevada shows promise in terms of both geothermal energy and economics
From September 30 to October 3, companies that provide services and products for geothermal resource exploration, characterization, development, production and management will gather at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, NV. The Reno region features a high concentration of raw geothermal resources with strategic access to California and other Western states, and it is the only metro area in the United States that produces enough geothermal energy to meet its entire residential load. On a broader scale, the state of Nevada continues to affirm its position as a geothermal leader with 59 projects in development, accounting for more than 2,000 MW. Four of the seven geothermal plants that came online in the past year are located in Nevada, including Tuscarora and McGinness Hills (Ormat Technologies), San Emidio (U.S. Geothermal), and Beowawe 2 (Terra-Gen/TAS Energy). Additionally, all three of the 2012 GEA Honours award recipients are either based in Nevada or bringing plants online in the state, including Enel Green Power North America (Technological Advancement), Ram Power (Economic Development), and Ormat Technologies (Environmental Stewardship). "We are very excited to return to one of our nation's geothermal hotbeds and a bright spot for the industry," says GEA executive director Karl Gawell. "Nevada continues to make valuable contributions to the geothermal community and shows immense promise in terms of both geothermal energy and economics." GEA points to over 4,500 MW of geothermal power under development in Nevada, California, and Oregon to underscore that geothermal power can continue to play a significant role in meeting the United States' clean energy needs. "As evidence mounts that global warming must be urgently addressed, the geothermal industry is poised to provide substantial new power that can be firm or flexible to support a reliable electric power system," Gawell added. Geothermal Energy Association
