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GEA releases Geothermal Basics Q&A report

GEA releases Geothermal Basics Q&A report The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada (source: Peppermill)
Alexander Richter 12 Sep 2012

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association releases Geothermal Basics Q&A report ahead of the largest geothermal energy event of the year, the combined GEA Geothermal Energy Expo and the GRC Annual Meeting.

Ahead of the largest geothermal gathering of this year, the combined GEA Geothermal Energy Expo and the GRC Annual Meeting, the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association has released a new report which details essential geothermal energy topics including technology, job creation, relevant government policy and economic benefits. The “Geothermal Basics Q&A” report, available by download on GEA’s web site or in print directly from GEA, includes answers to questions that GEA is commonly asked about geothermal resources, technology and the industry. The document is supported by visual graphs and up-to-date examples from the industry, and it was prepared with the input of leading geothermal energy experts.

“Geothermal Basics Q&A” is also designed to be an introductory study guide.  A list of works for further reading from within GEA’s reports library and beyond encourages continuing research of geothermal as a timely energy source with answers for today’s energy needs.  The document is an updated version of a much-requested question-and-answer guide released by GEA in 2009.

As the world’s geothermal industry business center, Reno is a fitting host for the combined events of GEA and GRC. The Reno region features a high concentration of raw geothermal resources with strategic access to California and other Western states, and it is the only metro area in the United States that produces enough geothermal energy to meet its entire residential load.

On a broader scale, the state of Nevada continues to affirm its position as a geothermal leader with 59 projects in development, accounting for more than 2,000 MW. Four of the seven geothermal plants that came online in the past year are located in Nevada, including Tuscarora and McGinness Hills (Ormat Technologies), San Emidio (U.S. Geothermal), and Beowawe 2 (Terra-Gen/TAS Energy). Additionally, all three of the 2012 GEA Honors award recipients are either based in Nevada or bringing plants online in the state, including Enel Green Power North America (Technological Advancement), Ram Power (Economic Development), and Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Environmental Stewardship).

“We are very excited to return to one of our nation’s geothermal hotbeds and a bright spot for the industry,” GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.. “Nevada continues to make valuable contributions to the geothermal community and shows immense promise in terms of both geothermal energy and economics.”

“From government leaders to the general public, every year many different people ask us questions about geothermal energy,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “This educational guide answers some of the most common questions, and we hope it will provide a solid base of geothermal knowledge to allow the public and policy makers to be more informed about geothermal.”

From September 30-October 3, the world’s largest gathering of companies that provide services and products for geothermal resource exploration, characterization, development, production and management will convene at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno. The Expo will be held at the Peppermill Resort and Casino in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting.

Source: GEA release via email