Geothermal energy in the United States
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Geothermal energy in the United States continues to be an area of considerable activity. The USA is the world leader in online capacity of geothermal energy and the generation of electricity from geothermal energy.[1]
The first U.S. geothermal power plant, opened at The Geysers in California in 1960, continues to operate successfully. The United States generates an average of 15 billion kilowatt hours of geothermal power per year, comparable to burning some 25 million barrels of oil or 6 million short tons of coal per year.[2]
Although geothermal power plants, concentrated in the West, provide the third largest domestic source of renewable electricity after hydroelectricity and biomass, they currently produce less than one percent of total U.S. electricity supply. However, a geothermal resource assessment shows that nine western states together have the potential to provide over 20 percent of national electricity needs.[2]
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[edit] History
According to archaeological evidence, geothermal resources have been in use on the current territory of the United States for more than 10,000 years. The Paleo-Indians first used geothermal hot springs for warmth, cleansing, and minerals.[2]
The first commercial geothermal power plant producing power to the U.S. utility grid opened at The Geysers in California in 1960, producing eleven megawatts of net power. The Geysers system continues to operate successfully today, and the complex has grown into the largest geothermal development in the world.[2]
[edit] Reliability
Geothermal has a higher capacity factor (a measure of the amount of real time during which a facility is used) than many other power sources. Unlike wind and solar resources, which are more dependent upon weather fluctuations, geothermal resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While the carrier medium for geothermal electricity (water) must be properly managed, the source of geothermal energy, the Earth's heat, will be available indefinitely.[2]
[edit] Recent developments
As of May 2007, geothermal electric power was generated in five U.S. states: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. According to the Geothermal Energy Association's recent report, there were 75 new geothermal power projects underway in 12 states as of May 2007 . This is an increase of 14 projects in an additional three states compared to a survey completed in November 2006.[1]
The most significant catalyst behind new industry activity is the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act made new geothermal plants eligible for the full federal production tax credit, previously available only to wind power projects. It also authorized and directed increased funding for research by the Department of Energy, and enabled the Bureau of Land Management to address its backlog of geothermal leases and permits.[1]
In April 2008, exploratory drilling began at Newberry Volcano in Oregon.[3]
[edit] See also
- The Geysers
- Geothermal energy and aquaculture
- Geothermal desalination
- Geothermal energy exploration in Central Australia
- List of renewable energy topics by country
[edit] References
- ^ a b c 6 Million American Households to be Powered by Geothermal Energy, New Survey Reports
- ^ a b c d e A Guide to Geothermal Energy and the Environment
- ^ Gail Kinsey-Hill. "Company Seeks Power From Crater", Vancouver Sun, 2008-06-03, p. B2.
[edit] External links
- Nevada to Quadruple Its Geothermal Power, Says GEA Report
- Geothermal Energy Association
- Lawmakers hear from solar, geothermal power companies
- House Science Committee Passes Advanced Geothermal Research Bill
- SCE signs large new renewable energy contracts
- geothermal energy production
- Geothermal Lease Auction Signals New Trend in U.S.
- The Status of the U.S. Geothermal Industry
- Scaling Geothermal for Reliable Baseload Power
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