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Credit: Laney, Patrick (Pat) - Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
Geothermal energy comes from reservoirs of steam and hot water beneath the earth's surface.
It is among the least explored sources of renewable energy in the United States. In 2010,
geothermal energy produced just over 3,000 megawatts of energy, or less than half a percent of
the electricity used in this country.[1]
Today nearly 200 geothermal projects, with a total capacity of about 7,800 megawatts, are in
various stages of development in 15 states, largely in the West, where most geothermal
resources are concentrated.[2]
Geothermal development could have negative impacts on the environment, such as threats to
local groundwater and increased seismicity from drilling activity. Geothermal development
should move forward with careful siting and strong environmental protections in place.
building's warmer air into the relatively cooler ground, where the excess energy can be used in
turn to heat water.
over. The Department of Energy estimates that EGS could produce at least 100,000 megawatts
of electricity within 50 years.[9]
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, is a major investor in EGS. The organization is
funding research and developing informational tools to help advance the technology.[10]
Another emerging technology, known as hybridization, pairs geothermal with solar technologies
to increase the efficiency of energy capture and electricity generation at a given well site. The
concept could prove very valuable in the sunny, geothermal-rich western U.S. states. One such
project is under construction in Turkey.[11]
Learn More
NREL Geothermal Technologies
Provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal resource potential throughout the
United States.
Geothermal Energy Association
Weekly news, policy information and resources from the U.S. trade association.
An Evaluation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems Technology (PDF)
A 2008 study by the Department of Energy (DOE) on the technological requirements to
commercialize Enhanced Geothermal Systems.
Protecting Americans from the Risks of Fracking
An NRDC fact sheet addresses the risks posed by hydraulic fracturing in natural gas
drilling, and how to keep communities safe.
NOTES
1.
[1] http://www.geoenergy.org/pdf/reports/GEA_International_Market_Report_Final_May_2010.pdf
2.
[2] http://www.geoenergy.org/pdf/reports/GEA_International_Market_Report_Final_May_2010.pdf
3.
[3] http://geo-energy.org/plants.aspx
4.
[4] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/geothermal_basics.html
5.
[5] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/geothermal_basics.html
6.
[6] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/history.html
7.
[7] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/faqs.html
8.
[8] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/faqs.html
9.
[9] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/geothermal_basics.html
10.
[10] http://www.google.org/egs/
11.
[11] http://social.csptoday.com/technology/csp-geothermal-hybridisation-real-potentialor-red-herring