The Geothermal Energy Association has released a new report which shows a 20% increase since January of new projects starting in the US. Iceland and Tibet currently power the highest percentage of their electricity from Geothermal sources - 25% and 30% of each nations power comes from Geothermal energy respectively. Geothermal energy today meets the total electricity needs of some 60 million people worldwide, roughly the population of the United Kingdom.
The new projects underway will power 4 million homes with 4000 megawatts of geothermal power. The report lists projects being started in 14 states, mostly in the Pacific Rim states but also, surprisingly, Florida.
Volcanic areas are typically those that best tap Geothermal potential such as Iceland which is the world leader in the percentage of its electricity that comes from Geothermal power. Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. When developed, these projects could provide nearly 4,000 megawatts (MW) of new electric power, enough electricity to meet the needs of roughly 4 million homes.
Of these projects, 45 will be in Nevada, 21 in California, 11 in Oregon, Idaho and Utah will have 6 each, 5 in Alaska, 2 each for Arizona and Hawaii, and Washington, Colorado, Wyoming and Florida will each have one project. With the new additions, US geothermal power will be close to 7,000 MW.
Google is investing $11 million in Geothermal power, and also has previously invested in electric vehicles powered by Lithium, a side product of Geothermal drilling.
From Renewable Energy World
and the Geothermal Energy Association
Photo by Phil Mercer
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