GEA Report: U.S. Geothermal Industry "Has An Exciting Year Ahead"
In its annual update on the state of the United States' geothermal industry, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) painted a sparkling picture.
According to the GEA, the U.S. is the world's leader in geothermal energy production with an installed capacity of 3,102 MW. The U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report [pdf] shows that geothermal development is now growing beyond the Western States -- where most of the country's current geothermal energy development is located.
The GEA asserts that with 146 projects under development in 15 states, geothermal growth is up 12% in 2011. These development projects are in addition to the nine states that are currently generating enough geothermal electricity to power two million homes.
Although significant private investment is needed to maintain the industry's growth in years to come, GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell is excited about the industry's opportunities in 2011: “The geothermal industry has an exciting year ahead, as there are numerous projects switching from development phases to full-fledged geothermal power plants.”
He further added, “And a second wave of development is on its way. This report reveals that many projects are entering the drilling and production phase, which is where the majority of geothermal job creation is.”
Read the press release at GEA: Geothermal Energy Association Yearly Update: Industry Poised for Ascendant Growth, Continuing Regional Expansion [pdf]
Image Credit: jlk.1 via Flickr
Joseph Baker is a freelance writer living in Vancouver BC. His areas of focus include renewable energy, sustainability and climate change.
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