Geothermal Power
The USA is the world leader in online capacity and the generation of electricity from geothermal energy. According to 2005 state energy data, geothermal energy provided approximately 16 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity—0.37% of the electricity consumed in the U.S. As of May 2007, geothermal electric power was generated in five U.S. states: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. According to the Geothermal Energy Association's recent report, there were 75 new geothermal power projects underway in 12 states as of May 2007 . This is an increase of 14 projects in an additional three states compared to a survey completed in November 2006.
The most significant catalyst behind new industry activity is the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act made new geothermal plants eligible for the full federal production tax credit, previously available only to wind power projects. It also authorized and directed increased funding for research by the Department of Energy, and gave the Bureau of Land Management new legal guidance and secure funding to address its backlog of geothermal leases and permits.
Installed geothermal capacity in megawatts (MW) by state as of February 2013:
| State | Capacity (MW) | Share of U.S total |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2,732.2 | 80.7% |
| Nevada | 517.5 | 15.3% |
| Utah | 48.1 | 1.4% |
| Hawaii | 38.0 | 1.1% |
| Oregon | 33.3 | 1.0% |
| Idaho | 15.8 | 0.5% |
| Alaska | 0.7 | <0.1% |
| Wyoming | 0.3 | <0.1% |
| Total | 3,385.9 | 100% |
Read more about this topic: Renewable Energy In The United States
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