Geothermal industry is experiencing slow but nonetheless steady growth in United States, which is not a bad thing, particularly given the current state of U.S. economy.
With many states having renewable energy standards and other favorable incentives geothermal energy capacity should further grow in years to come and lead United States to better energy independence and energy security.
California is nation's undisputed energy leader with 2,615 MW already online, and close to 2,000 MW of geothermal capacity in development. Nevada is also doing admirable work in geothermal energy development and has 59 projects in development, more than any other state.
Geothermal energy is currently being harnessed in eight U.S. states: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Additional seven states have geothermal energy projects in development: Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas and Washington.
In total, United States currently has 3,187 MW of installed geothermal capacity, a lot more compared to any other country in the world. This year, another 100 MW of geothermal capacity is expected to come online.
Why should United States go for more geothermal energy? More geothermal power means more clean energy. More clean energy means less coal and less greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Not only that geothermal energy could improve U.S. energy security and energy independence by providing reliable source of clean energy that is available 24-7 and doesn't suffer from intermittency issue like this is the case with solar and wind.
