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GEA starts 3rd National Geothermal Summit today in Reno, Nevada

GEA starts 3rd National Geothermal Summit today in Reno, Nevada View over Reno, Nevada (source: flickr/ RobertCiavarro, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 26 Jun 2013

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association starts its 3rd annual National Geothermal Summit today in Reno, Nevada. The event is a key event for the U.S. geothermal energy industry bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and other power sector representatives.

Today, the the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) will open its third annual National Geothermal Summit (#GEASummit2013), at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The event will take place today and tomorrow in Reno, Nevada

Bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and other power sector representatives from the United States and abroad for critical discussions on what is needed to move geothermal forward, the event has established itself as a key event for the U.S. geothermal energy industry.

Reno is home to seven of the largest geothermal operators, including Ormat, Enel and Terra-Gen, as well as many emerging developers. Nevada is No. 1 in the nation for geothermal energy production per capita, generating more than 110 watts per person, while the City of Reno is the only sizeable U.S. city that produces enough geothermal energy to support the city’s entire utility load.

The City of Reno is proud to host the 2013 National Geothermal Summit, as it is a welcome addition to the many geothermal projects, developers and institutes we house here,” said Reno Mayor Bob Cashell. “Reno is a leader in the geothermal space and we are excited to have so many of the most influential people in the industry convene in this geothermal hotbed.”

Many geothermal entities are based in Reno, including the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, an internationally recognized geothermal center of excellence headquartered at the University of Nevada, Reno, which is a partner of the GEA National Geothermal Summit. The Nevada Geothermal Council, a geothermal entity that collaborates with government agencies, is also based in the Reno-Tahoe area and is also an ally for the Summit.

“Reno is the perfect place to host the GEA National Geothermal Summit, since it’s the hub for geothermal activity in the United States,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “A home to many of the biggest geothermal developers, multiple geothermal institutions and located on a physical hotspot, Reno truly is the center for geothermal excellence. We’re delighted to bring policy makers and industry professionals together to discuss the future of geothermal energy in such a burgeoning location for the geothermal world.”

“Nevada is a leader in geothermal energy, and I am pleased that the Geothermal Energy Association will be holding this important event in Reno,” said Nevada Senator Harry Reid. “Nevada’s economy and our future is strengthened when we take advantage of our abundant clean energy resources. I hope leaders in the geothermal and utility sectors will work together to find new and innovative ways to bring these resources to market, and I will continue to work to help ensure that Nevada remains the geothermal capital of the nation.”

The Summit will cover the state of geothermal energy, new technologies, valuing geothermal for PPAs, and the future outlook for the geothermal industry. The program will encourage interaction and discussion about government policies, projects in development, market potential, and opportunities for U.S. companies. Panels will feature Paul Thomsen, Ormat; Ashley Carrigan, State Director, Senator Heller; Jack McGinley, NV Energy; Amy Lueders, Nevada State Director, Bureau of Land Management; Aaron Mandell, Chief Commercial Officer, AltaRock Energy; Mike Rogers, Calpine Corporation; Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy and Client Services, California ISO; Carl Stills, Imperial Irrigation District; Kathleen Callison, Washington State Geothermal Working Group; Rizaldo Aldas, Renewables Team Lead, Energy Research and Development Division, California Energy Commission; Vijay Satyal, Sr. Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Energy; Bob Blackett, Utah Geological Survey.

Event partners also include the Geothermal Resources Council, UC Davis’ California Geothermal Energy Collaborative, Western Area Power Administration, Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, Nevada Petroleum & Geothemal Society, and the Young Professional in Energy in Nevada.

Source: GEA