Highlights of geothermal power's growth, the number of projects in development and challenges in developing the renewable energy were detailed in an industry briefing Tuesday in Washington.
The United States is the No. 1 producer of geothermal power in the world, with 3,386 megawatts of installed capacity, according to numbers released by the Geothermal Energy Association. Seven new projects came online last year, including the first hybrid solar-geothermal plant.
Across the country, 175 geothermal projects are in development, and as many as 14 more plants could be operational this year if they meet construction schedules.
California remains the top producer of geothermal energy, with 2,732.2 megawatts of installed capacity, and 33 projects in the wings. Nevada is next at 517 megawatts of installed capacity, followed by Utah at 48 megawatts. The majority of that comes from Rocky Mountain Power's Blundell plant, with power that stays in Utah.
"We actually really like geothermal energy," said Samantha Mary Julian, director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. "It is truly a clean, renewable energy and it has a unique quality that the others do not. It is a base power that goes all the time, not just when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. It's just a clean product."
The report notes that Utah has 19 projects on the table with the potential to develop between 260 and 280 megawatts of power — and a handful of more prospects in the very early stages. Deseret News
