GEA Report Says US Geothermal Capacity Could Reach 10 Gigawatts
A new report from the Geothermal Energy Association shows the United States' geothermal capacity could soon reach 10 gigawatts (10,000 megawatts).
According to the report, there are currently 144 geothermal projects in development across 14 states. If all of these projects turn out successful, they will add an additional 7 gigawatts to the U.S.'s current 3.1 gigawatt capacity.
Nevada is the unquestionable leader in U.S. geothermal development--64 of the 144 new projects are located within its territory. Nevada's projects could generate up to 3,473 megawatts. California, Oregon, Utah, and Idaho round out the top five.
California has 37 new projects with a potential power capacity of 2,436 megawatts; Oregon has 13 projects with a potential capacity of 368 megawatts; Utah has 10 projects with a potential capcity of 332 megawatts; and, finally, Idaho has 5 projects with a potential capacity of 326 megawatts.
The GEA estimates that 7 gigawatts of geothermal energy will be enough to "supply the power needs of about 7.2 million people."
Read the full story at CNET News: U.S. geothermal could supply 7 million people
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
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