Nevada producing considerable geothermal power

Nevada producing considerable geothermal power

The Silver State is making impressive moves toward geothermal energy. Alternative Energy Magazine reported that Nevada is poised to lead in geothermal energy production in the nation. So far, California has led the pack in the geothermal industry. However, Nevada is experiencing a rush of developers as experienced energy producers and newer players enter the game.

According to the Geothermal Energy Association, geothermal power currently supplies the world with approximately 11,800 MW of electricity in 27 countries on six continents. This is a great development, but leaders within the industry believe that geothermal power has even greater potential. Geothermal resources could supply more than 300,000 MW of power, according to some experts, while producing fewer carbon emissions than traditional energy resources.

Nevada’s geothermal industry grows
Developers in Nevada have the maximum number of geothermal projects currently under construction as allowed by the state. Alternative Energy Magazine reported that California currently produces about 2,500 megawatts of energy with geothermal power and soon Nevada is about to surpass this figure. There are 86 geothermal projects under development in Nevada and combined, they are expected to produce about 3,686 megawatts of energy.

“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 Geothermal Energy Association reported that Nevada has the potential to produce geothermal energy next only to Japan, which is the eighth largest producer in the world. The state will soon be capable of meeting 13 percent of the nation’s energy needs.

Benefits of geothermal energy
Unlike traditional energy resources like oil or natural gas, geothermal energy produces little pollution.  The Geothermal Energy Association’s Air Emissions Comparison and Externality Analysis demonstrated that geothermal energy provides substantial public health and environmental benefits. The resource is one of the least polluting and most environmentally friendly forms of energy currently on the planet, which makes developing technology to harness this power crucial. Geothermal plants produce virtually no greenhouse gases and dry steam, and only trace amounts of emissions.

Recent estimates have found that the use of geothermal power in California brings externality benefits of about $88 million in that state per year. The reduction in pollution reduces strain on the health of citizens, which limits healthcare costs. By investing in geothermal technology, states are gaining access to renewable energy that is beneficial in a wide variety of ways.