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Opening of the GRC Annual Meeting, 30 years of geothermal in Nevada

Opening of the GRC Annual Meeting, 30 years of geothermal in Nevada Opening Session 2015 GRC Annual Meeting, Reno/ NV (source: ThinkGeoEnergy)
Alexander Richter 21 Sep 2015

At the Opening Session of the GRC Annual Meeting currently taking place in Reno, Nevada, sees the geothermal sector of the U.S. reflect on the proud history of geothermal in Nevada and with a somewhat more positive outlook on geothermal development in the U.S.

In today’s opening session of the GRC Annual Meeting, there is a specific focus on the proud history of geothermal development in Nevada.

The event was opened by Paul Brophy, President of GRC who provided an update on GRC, its activities and some of the strategy work currently being worked on by the Board of GRC. He talked about a redefined set of mission and vision and its work on education, outreach and promotional activities for geothermal.

Then the Chairman of the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) of the U.S., Joe Greco talked about the opportunity for geothermal in the U.S., despite the challenges. In his speech he gave a few of the reasons he believes one should be optimistic about geothermal in the U.S.

He mentions the Renewable Tax Credit that passed the U.S., Senate Finance Committee in late July which extends the geothermal PTC through 2016 for projects starting construction. Further he talked about the Energy Policy Modernisation Act of 2015, which sets national goals, invests in technological development fixing leasing problems and expediting exploration. Another positive thing are the further push for renewables through the Renewable Portfolio Standards updates, e.g. in California setting a 50% goal and Hawaii a goal of 100% renewables.

The FORGE initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technology Office is also an effort that will help the geothermal industry. Lastly he mentioned the EPA Clean Power Plan Rules, particularly section 111 (d) which could open new markets for geothermal.

Then Paul Thomsen, Director at the Governor of Nevada’s Office of Energy talked about the proud history of Nevada in geothermal energy pointing out the 30 year history.

Here are pictures of the session