"The outlook for future growth is surging," says Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director.
In Nevada, 2005 marked the commissioning of the first new power plant resulting from a state Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), Gawell says.
"Over 500 Megawatts (MW) of new projects have secured power contracts in 2005, with more expected in the coming year," he added.
Recent analysis produced for the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) demonstrates a near-term potential of 5,600 MW of new geothermal power. New power prospects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Today geothermal electricity is produced in only four states, but with continued federal and state support, this could triple by 2010, according to GEA.
