Geothermal: 2005 Review, 2006 outlook

[skids]

Recent analysis produced for the Western Governors' Association (WGA) demonstrates a near-term potential of 5,600 MW of new geothermal power. New power prospects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Today geothermal electricity is produced in only four states, but with continued federal and state support, this could triple by 2010, according to GEA. Information on both the existing and new geothermal projects is available at: http://www.geo-energy.org/information/plants.asp.

...

Growth continued for geothermal heat pumps installations. They were growing at an annual rate of 15 percent, with over 600,000 units installed in the U.S. New installations were occurring at a rate of 50,000 to 60,000 per year -- the largest growth in the world for geothermal heat pumps.

...

Like the U.S., international geothermal development has been booming in 2005, so much so that analysts are upgrading projections made less than a year ago. According to GEA, "recent market developments indicate that the worldwide production of geothermal electricity should grow by 50 percent over the next five years, and direct use of geothermal energy for district heating, greenhouses, and industrial uses is expected to grow even more." In 2005, 24 countries reported producing electricity from geothermal resources, with a total installed capacity of 8,900 MW, and 72 countries reported direct uses providing over 16,000 MW (thermal).

Nevada Governor Guinn speaking at the dedication of Ormat's new Burdette geothermal power plant near Reno, Nevada. The plant was named in honor of Nevada's late energy advisor Richard Burdette Jr.

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=41267

[Ezlivin]

1. Where can I sign up to get my new steam-powered car?

Seriously, this exploitation of geothermal resources is an excellent idea. I know that Iceland is able to generate a significant portion of its electrical needs through geothermal power stations.

[skids]

2. Here.

http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4936/

...unrelated subject, though :-)

[Vogon_Glory]

3. Where Geothermal Would Really Be Useful

Geothermal energy would be particularly useful in those Central and South American countries closest to the volcanic Ring of Fire, like Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador...Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, etc. Many of those countries are petroleum importers.

Personally, I'm doubtful that geothermal power is going to be a technology where the US will have that great a leadership role. The Rulin' Dubya Posse has too many links to the oil business, and the oil business isn't all that interested in rival sources of energy production, particularly if those sources are self-replenishing.