The Geothermal Energy Association represents over 100 companies in the American geothermal power industry.That industry supports a workforce of almost 12,000 full-time jobs in the U.S. The leading developers and energy producers run 104 operating plants in nine (9) states with a capacity of 3,700 Megawatts at a replacement value of over $20 billion. There are over 80 new projects in development.
Geothermal delivers a triple bottom line to our energy system. It is an abundant domestic energy source, it brings economic benefits in the form of taxes and long term high-paying jobs, and it has one of the lowest Levelized Costs of Energy (LCOE) of all power sources in the U.S.
Geothermal assets typically have 30-50 year lifecycles and the sector employs more workers during drilling, exploration, construction and power operations than any clean energy source, with workforces comparable to coal, gas and nuclear power.
Hundreds of small and large American businesses in the geothermal supply chain, together with large crews operating 24/7, help deliver this valuable power into the electric grid.
In 2015, U.S. geothermal plants made enough electricity to power 30 million homes, at 15.9 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) that is 0.4% of total U.S. electricity generation.
In the U.S., geothermal plants often serve utilities, but systems are built to directly power refineries, milk pasteurization and agricultural processing plants, and gold and silver mining facilities. Direct-use geothermal uses could be expanded to the benefit of the economy and industry.
Geothermal energy is a near zero-emission electricity resource. It runs 24/7 or can be scheduled for system flexibility and peak energy needs.
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Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-