Study Finds a Resurgence of Geothermal Energy in Arizona

[jpak]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=73133

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Arizona is seeing a resurgence of interest in its geothermal resources, according to a report released today by the Geothermal Energy Association. Among the highlights of the report are:

-- Northern Arizona University is testing the feasibility of power production at a major geothermal resource area located east of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff;

<snip>

The report, entitled Geothermal Development Needs in Arizona, indicates that the Grand Canyon State has numerous geothermal resources, including what may potentially be a "major resource" in Northern Arizona. Currently underway in Arizona are plans to heat a large greenhouse in Willcox and to develop Arizona's first geothermal power plant at Clifton Hot Springs in Greenlee County.

According to the author of the report, Daniel Fleischmann, "Arizona contains acres and acres of clean sustainable geothermal resources, and improved economics and advanced technology have made geothermal resource development an attractive alternative to reduce Arizona's reliance on fossil fuels." Recent efforts to raise the existing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 15 percent by 2025 and to be the first U.S. state to include geothermal heating systems in an RPS are cited as notable incentives behind the resurgence in interest.

<not much more>

[Warpy]

1. NM is also overdue for geothermal plants

This state is covered with volcanoes, and most are dormant, not extinct.