Noise from wind turbines - Big problem in U.K.

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Renewable energy advantages

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Biofuels given boost in United States

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How does nuclear power produce energy?

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Most Americans would turn to solar energy

When planning and thinking about renewable energy future for your country it is always important to know public opinion, and the public opinion in United States suggests that vast majority of Americans wants to see further development of solar power across the whole country92% percent of Americans think that it’s important for the country to develop and use solar power, making this alternative

Geothermal Energy Expo: Just Days Away

Exhibitors, presenters, sponsors, attendees and staff all eagerly anticipate the geothermal event of the year, GEA's Geothermal Energy Expo and the GRC Annual Meetings, coming next month October 4-7 in Reno, Nevada. The site is the Peppermill Resort, where a geothermal well is expected to go on line in January.

So how does one navigate the maze of industry celebration and business that is the Expo Hall? This year we are introducing Twitter updates available for delivery to your cell phone to help you keep up with who's doing what and when. Details coming; follow us at http://twitter.com/GEAgeoenergy.

Members Meeting
The festivities actually kick off on Saturday, October 3 with our Annual Members Meeting and Policy Workshop. This is a great way to become more familiar with GEA, even if you are not a member. We'll provide an overview of our activities over the past year and will be privileged to hear from several experts and policy leaders. Employees of GEA member companies and all companies exhibiting at the 2009 GEA Geothermal Energy Expo are encouraged to participate by registering at http://www.geo-energy.org/new_expo/events.asp.

Opening Reception
The Geothermal Energy Association and Geothermal Resources Council invite you to the official kick-off on Sunday, October 4, 6-8:30pm.

Webcast
Can't make it to the Expo? We'll miss you, but you can still join us from afar. Our first-ever Geothermal Energy Expo Webcast will take place Tuesday, October 6, 10am to 2pm Pacific Time and will feature speakers from exhibiting companies as well as a few other faces. Register at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=61325.

Poker Tournament
Last year's poker tournament was so popular that we had ot bring it back for another round. This will take place October 6, 9pm-midnight. We are playing for real money so bring your game face. You can register now by contacting us or at the Expo registration desk. Entry fee is $125.

Best in Show Awards
On the final day of the Expo, Wednesday, October 7 at 11am, GEA will celebrate by presenting our much-anticipated, highly sought-after Best in Show Awards to exhibitors chosen by a select panel of judges...and don't forget to vote for the People's Choice Award.

We can't wait to see you. Stop by our booth and say hi, and don't forget to pick up a copy of our newest Update on U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development (the "Industry Update"), to be released just days before the Expo. For more details on all Expo-related events visit the Expo Web site at http://www.geo-energy.org/new_expo/default.asp.

Governor's Executive Order Boosting Renewable Energy to 33% Will Work for California and the West, Industry Association Says

Representing the US geothermal power industry, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) supports Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order to boost California's renewable energy power standard to 33% by 2020. "GEA fully supports the Governor's initiative to boost the state's renewable energy goal," Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director said. "We believe that the Governor has crafted an RPS strategy that avoids the unnecessary delivery restrictions and complexity of the bills that he has vetoed. As a result, the Governor's Executive Order works not just for California, but also for all the other western states that are trying to bring more renewable energy online in the next 10 years."

Geothermal power is California's most productive renewable resource (excluding large hydropower, which the state does not categorize as renewable), providing over 40% of the state's renewable power in 2008. "There are thousands of megawatts of additional geothermal energy that can be developed in California and nearby states to help achieve or even exceed the 33% goal announced today by the Governor,” Gawell added.

According to John McCaull, GEA’s Western States Representative, "Recent studies have shown that the most cost-effective system for achieving the renewable portfolio standards adopted by states such as California and Nevada is to recognize that project location, environmental concerns, grid reliability, cost containment, and transmission planning require that we look at all available resource options." In June 2009, several western states and the Western Governor’s Association (WGA) simultaneously released long-awaited studies pointing to geothermal energy as one of the nation’s most cost-effective and reliable renewable energy resources that should be given priority as an expanded electricity transmission grid is planned.

Following those studies, McCaull submitted formal analysis and comments from GEA on how California can meet near-term RPS requirements through an increased reliance on geothermal energy in a report to the state's Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) process. GEA’s August 2009 comments entitled Ensuring Reliable, Baseload Renewable Energy For The West By 2015 are available at: http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports/GEA_Final_Comments_RETI_Phase_2A_Report.pdf

The Largest Geothermal Gathering in the World Expected at Geothermal Expo in Reno

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), the geothermal industry's trade association is thrilled to be holding the Geothermal Energy Expo in tandem with the GRC's Annual Meeting, October 4th-7th. The Geothermal Energy Expo is the world's largest gathering of geothermal industry vendors exhibiting their projects, equipment, services and state of the art technology to the geothermal community. This year's Expo will host over 120 vendors.

You might see a few Stetson hats poking above the crowd, sport coats and ties, a good number of blue jeans and dusty hiking boots, and everything in between as thousands unite as geothermal enthusiasts. They will come from places as diverse as the companies they represent, and they will all be in Reno for the Geothermal Energy Expo.

At noon on Monday, October 5^th the Geothermal Energy Expo officially opens, featuring over 120 exhibits from companies ranging from Ormat Technologies to Gradient Geothermal. Regular events and speakers are scheduled for the Expo Hall from Monday at noon through noon on Wednesday. The Expo hours are: Monday, noon-5pm, Tuesday, 9am-6pm and Wednesday, 9am-2pm. Admission to the Expo on a daily basis is only $50 per person, per day.

A new addition to our annual Geothermal Energy Expo will be a FREE webcast from the Expo floor on Tuesday, October 6^th from 10am-2pm PT. This will enable like-minded individuals who can’t make the trip out to Reno to get the low-down on the geothermal companies presenting who will share their projects, equipment, services, and state-of-the-art technology. Registration will be FREE and can be made online at: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=61325.

We will also be bringing back last year’s popular Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament on Tuesday evening, October 6^th from 9pm to midnight. Also, don’t miss the GEA 2009 Best in Show award presentations in the Expo Hall on Wednesday, October 7^th at 11am where GEA will acknowledge the best of the best in geothermal exhibition.

Last year nearly 1800 people walked the Expo floor of the Geothermal Energy Expo, a mind-blowing 80% increase over the previous year. Our participants are expected to set records for us yet again.

To learn more about exhibitors, events, sponsorship, guest information, and to register, visit http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/. (Booth space is sold out).

Case Studies, Technology, and Incentives to be Featured at Geothermal Heating and Small Power Workshop

On August 12 the Geothermal Energy Association and the Oregon Institute of Technology's Geo-Heat Center will be holding a workshop focusing on geothermal direct heat uses and small power production. "Recent technology developments, new state and federal tax incentives, and growing public concern about climate change are all working to promote geothermal energy, and direct heating and small power are growth areas," according to Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director.

The GEA-OIT workshop will bring together -- for the first time ever -- those interested in using geothermal energy for distributed power generation and direct heating purposes from across the West. Pratt &Whitney Power Systems, maker of the PureCycle® Power System, is the Gold Level Sponsor of the event, and the Oregon Department of Energy is a cosponsor.

The workshop will feature presentations on successful geothermal uses for school heating, district heating, fish farming, greenhouses, spas/resorts, and small power production - including generation utilizing hot water from oil and gas wells. In addition, Dr. John Lund, Director, GeoHeat Center, Oregon Institute of Technology, will make a presentations on the OIT heating and power systems and the total US potential for geothermal heating and small power production.

Among the leading power equipment suppliers, drilling and exploration firms, and engineering and construction companies on the agenda are Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, Turbine Air Systems, SNC-Lavalin , and ThermaSource. Representative from the US Department of Energy, Oregon Department of Energy, and Oregon Environmental Trust, the US Bureau of Land Management and the Geothermal Energy Association will discuss programs that can help those interested in utilizing geothermal energy, including new federal and state financial incentives.

OIT's Klamath Falls campus is a world-class example of both geothermal direct use heating and small power production. OIT expects its new geothermal power plant will be up and running by the time of the workshop. Together with its geothermal heating systems, OIT's campus will be a practical showcase for those attending the event.

While geothermal resources have been used for heating purposes in the West for over 100 years, small power technology utilizing geothermal resources is a new trend. Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming have each seen or will soon see geothermal power produced for the first time. In each of these cases the power is being used locally for power generation for a resort, commercial business, or similar site.

Registration for the August 12 Workshop is $195 for the general public and $95 for GEA Members, non-profit groups, government employees. Registration includes workshop materials, snacks, and lunch. OIT has organized a field trip for the following day, and registration for the August 13 Field Trip is an additional $75.

For more information, or to register for the workshop or field trip, visit: www.geo-energy.org

Industry Group Announces Workshop on Two New Growth Areas for Geothermal in the US -- Distributed/Small Power Generation and Direct Use Heating

Washington -- Klamath Falls, Oregon will be the site of a workshop intended to promote two exciting growth areas for geothermal energy in the United States. On August 12 the Geothermal Energy Association and the Oregon Institute of Technology's Geo-Heat Center will be holding a workshop focusing on direct heat and small power utilization. Pratt &Whitney Power Systems, maker of the PureCycle® Power System, is the Gold Level Sponsor of the event.

"This workshop will bring together -- for the first time ever -- those interested in using geothermal energy for distributed generation and direct heating purposes," noted Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA. "New technology developments, state and federal laws and incentives, and growing concern about climate change are driving a strong growth trend in both areas," he added.

1. In many states, special incentives are being offered for small, renewable power generation less than 10 MW.

For direct use geothermal, market growth for space heating and agricultural drying grew by 9.3% and 10.4% between 2000 and 2005. A renewed interest in direct use in the Western US is being spurred in part by provisions of the 2005 energy bill which encourages direct use geothermal on public lands by:

• Simplifying royalty payments to modest fee
• Allowing non-competitive lease application
• Allowing lease application for only lands needed – no minimum acreage
• Granting states, local governments, tribes use of federal geothermal resources for public purposes at little/no cost

OIT's Klamath Falls campus is a world-class example of both geothermal direct use heating and small power production. "Our 280 kW Pratt &Whitney power plant will be up and running by the time of the workshop," noted John Lund, Director of the OIT Geo-Heat Center. "This will be the first geothermal power generation in Oregon, and together with our geothermal heating systems OIT's campus will be a practical showcase for those interested in these technologies," he said.

The GEA-OIT Workshop is planned for August 12 in Klamath Falls, in addition OIT has organized a field trip for the following day. Registration for the August 12 Workshop is $195 for the general public and $95 for GEA Members, non-profit groups, government employees. Registration includes workshop materials, snacks, and lunch. Registration for the August 13 Field Trip is an additional $75.

For more information, or to register for the workshop or field trip, visit: www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Industry Applauds President Obama's Announcement, Says Stimulus Funds Will Help Spur Economic Recovery

The Geothermal Energy Association today applauded President Obama's announcement of $350 million in new investment in geothermal energy. "There are more geothermal power projects under development today than have been built in the history of the United States," according to Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "This stimulus funding will help make sure those projects are successfully completed and will help develop the technology needed to bring tens of thousands of additional megawatts on line," he added.

According to the GEA's March 2009 Industry Update, there were 126 new geothermal projects under development with the potential to put 5,500 MW of new geothermal power on line, equivalent to 15,000 MW – 20,000 MW from wind turbines or enough power for 5.5 million California homes, according to GEA. New geothermal power projects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. GEA estimates that bringing these projects on line could help economic recovery by spurring as many as 100,000 new jobs.

GEA was also enthusiastic about the scope of the announcement. The President's announcement included funding for geothermal demonstration projects, enhanced geothermal systems, innovative exploration techniques, and new resource assessment. "These are all critical areas for geothermal technology development," Gawell stated. "Geothermal energy is a widespread and complex resource base, and this announcement recognizes the need to move forward with technology development across several different applications and resources," he added.

Copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, March 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Power Experts to Convene in Seattle

Geothermal power is poised for dramatic growth, and the companies that will bring new renewable power to the West will be converging on Seattle for the next Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) "Technology, Finance, and Development Workshop" on June 3.

Among the presenters at the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) event will be:

• Spokespersons for companies leading new technology innovation and project development, including Paul Thomsen of Ormat Technologies, Michael Ronzello of Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, and Hank Sennott of Enel North America.
• GEA's Executive Director, Karl Gawell, who will discuss the tax incentives, loan guarantees, and other new incentives for geothermal power being advanced in Washington.
• Ed Wall, Program Director, U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Program, which was just provided nearly $500 million to support new geothermal technology development and applications.

"Utility scale and distributed generation geothermal projects are springing up across the U.S. -- from Florida to Alaska -- in response to the new push for clean, renewable energy coming from Congress and the Obama Administration," Gawell said. "Together new federal and state incentives will lead to billions of dollars of new investment in geothermal power creating tens of thousands of new jobs in the U.S.," he added.

Geothermal companies participating in the workshop represent over 40 new geothermal power projects which together will bring roughly 1,000 MW of power on line, enough power to meet the household energy needs of Seattle and Portland combined. In addition to Ormat, Pratt and Whitney, and Enel, geothermal companies scheduled to present include: AltaRock Energy, Power Engineers, Raser Technologies, Western GeoPower, Nevada Geothermal Power, Turbine Air Systems, ThermaSource, Google.org, OIT GeoHeat Center and U.S. Renewables Group.

Along with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, participants will include environmental representatives, local and state government officials, legal and regulatory experts, and others who will join the geothermal community in the day-long program covering nearly every aspect of this exciting renewable energy technology.

"The West has a huge untapped geothermal energy potential," according to Gawell. "This workshop will help realize this potential by encouraging collaboration between leading geothermal developers, finance and investment specialists, government officials, lawyers, and technology experts from around the nation," he said.

Registration for the event is $195 for GEA Members and $295 for non-members (price includes light breakfast, lunch, snack, and workshop proceedings). Reduced price registrations are available for non-profit organizations and credential press are complimentary—please contact Kathy Kent at kathy@geo-energy for confirmation.

The workshop will be held at the Washington Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington from 8am to 5:30pm on June 3, 2009. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Industry Group Announces Seattle Workshop

Washington, DC -- The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has announced its next Geothermal Finance, Technology, and Development Workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 3, in Seattle, WA at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. "The West has a huge untapped geothermal energy potential," according to Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "This workshop will help realize this potential by encouraging collaboration between leading geothermal developers, finance and investment specialists, government officials, lawyers, and technology experts from around the nation," he said.

The day-long workshop is being held in cooperation with the Mayor of Seattle’s office and with the support of Gold Level Sponsors Ormat and Pratt and Whitney Power Systems. It will include an update on the U.S. geothermal market and keynote presentations by the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, and other notable government and industry leaders.

Panels and discussion will include:

· project development, including presentations from leading project developers on new geothermal projects and keys to successful development;

· technology, including a basic tutorial on understanding geothermal resources and technology and discussion on new and future developments in geothermal technology;

· finance, including information on the federal stimulus, the status of federal and state incentives, and approaches to project financing; and

· community/environmental issues and tribal and power company perspectives, with environmental and tribal leaders speaking to geothermal issues and benefits on a local scale

Confirmed speakers include: Karl Gawell, GEA; Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle; Senator Adam Kline, State of Washington; Susan Petty, AltaRock Energy; Kevin Wallace, POWER Engineers;
Dave Norman, Washington State Geologist; Dave Sjoding, Washington State University; Phil Messer, PBS&J; Ken MacLeod, Western GeoPower; Michael Hayter, Raser Technologies; Dan Schochet, Ram Power; Hank Sennott, Enel NA; Ed Wall, US DOE; Paul Thomsen, Ormat; Halley Dickey, Turbine Air Systems; Lou Capuano, ThermaSource; Charles Baron, Google; Ross Macfarlane, Climate Solutions; Laurie McClenahan Hietter, RMT; Roger Taylor, State, Local & Tribal Deployment, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Michael O’Connell, Stoel Rives, LLP; Michael Devine, NWB Economic Development Corp; Jonathan Weisgall, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company; Mark Taylor, New Energy Finance; Tom King, US Renewables Group; CJ Arrigo, Glacier Capital Partners; John McIlveen, Jacobs and Company Securities; Jerry Fish, Stoel Rives; John Pierce, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati; Kermit Witherbee, US Bureau of Land Management; Bob Fujimoto, US Forest Service; Chuck Gilfoy, CalEnergy, Craig Collar, Snohomish PUD; and Steve Ponder, NV Energy.

For more information and to register visit: http://www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Showcase, Finance Workshop, and Small Power Workshop Announced by Leading Industry Group

Washington, DC -- The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announces three important geothermal events for 2009. GEA's events will showcase geothermal projects to the energy community in Washington DC, bring developers together with financiers in Seattle, and promote small power and direct use geothermal growth in the U.S. in Oregon, respectively.

May 6, 2009, Geothermal Showcase, Newseum, Washington, DC - If you can't visit geothermal projects under development in the West, come to the Newseum and let us take you there. Taking place in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, GEA along with Gold Level Sponsors Ormat, UTC Power, and Enel North America will be hosting a Geothermal Energy Project Showcase at the Newseum. Catering to the DC energy, policy, and technology community, leading geothermal companies will present video footage of geothermal power projects taking place in the U.S. and internationally. As part of this half-day event, top experts will discuss the potential impact geothermal development can have on our energy needs by implementing experimental technologies, hydrothermal, co-production, EGS, small power, and geothermal heating and cooling. June 3, 2009, Geothermal Finance, Technology, and Development Workshop in Seattle, WA -- This will be the fourth in a sell-out series of workshops for anyone interested in financing or development of geothermal power. On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, GEA along with Gold Level Sponsors Ormat and UTC Power will hold a Geothermal Finance, Technology, and Development Workshop in Seattle, WA. This event will be held in cooperation with the Mayor of Seattle’s office at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The day-long workshop will include a U.S. Geothermal update, panels on project development, technology, finance, community/environmental issues, tribal and power company perspectives, and keynote presentations by the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, and other notable speakers.
August 12, 2009, Small Power and Direct Use Workshop, Klamath Falls, Oregon -- Distributed generation and commercial and industrial uses of geothermal energy are both exciting new growth areas to be explored. This workshop will take place on a campus soon to be heated and powered entirely by geothermal energy! In August of 2009, GEA in cooperation with the GeoHeat Center at the Oregon Institute of Technology and Gold Level Sponsor UTC Power will host a geothermal direct use and small power workshop in Klamath Falls, Oregon. This all-day workshop (with OR geothermal site tour the following day) will include the how-to's of financing a small power use project, discussion on state-of-the-art advancements for direct use technology for building and commercial uses, presentations on small projects and direct use projects today, information about drilling and exploration for such projects, and more. For more information, including sponsorship and registration materials, please go to www.geo-energy.org, or contact Kathy Kent at GEA by emailing kathy@geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Power Continues Strong Growth, New Industry Report Shows

A new report by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) shows strong growth in new geothermal power projects continuing into 2009. "There has been a 25% increase in new geothermal projects from August of 2008, when the last GEA report was released. There is also an increase in overall production potential by 35%," notes Kara Slack, the report's author.

The report also notes that the number of states producing geothermal power has increased from 7 to 8 with the addition of Wyoming. "Geothermal power projects continue to move forward, with new projects being added at an increasing rate," according to Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.

The report identifies a total of 126 projects under development with the potential to put 5,500 MW of new geothermal power on line, equivalent to 15,000 MW – 20,000 MW from wind turbines or enough power for 5.5 million California homes, according to GEA. New geothermal power projects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

“It is great to see that between August 2008 and March 2009, there was a jump of about 1,500 MW in new geothermal projects,” remarks Slack. “Interest in geothermal development continues to grow. We are seeing new entrants to the industry, in part because of new leasing by BLM and several new projects by the U.S. Navy," she adds.

According to the GEA report, Nevada, with 58 confirmed projects, has the most production under development. California is second with 27 projects, followed by Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Alaska, respectively.

"The report shows a substantial movement of projects into the later stages of development, the permitting and construction phases," Gawell points out. "If federal and state governments give them the support and priority they need, most of these projects could be on line in a few years." GEA estimates that bringing these projects on line could help economic recovery, spurring as many as 100,000 new jobs.

GEA will have copies of the report available at their booth (#1412) at the Renewable Energy World (REW) Conference and Expo, March 10–12, in Las Vegas. In addition, Karl Gawell will be making a presentation on the report as part of the REW Panel Discussion, U.S. Geothermal Market, March 11, 1:30–3:30pm, Tropical D. Copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, March 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.

New Guide to Geothermal Energy Available To Download Free!

If you have questions about geothermal energy, the Geothermal Energy Association has issued a new report that will provide you with answers. Geothermal 101: Basics of Geothermal Energy Production and Use, edited by Leslie Blodgett and Kara Slack of GEA, covers the essentials of geothermal energy from electric power to residential heat pumps. "Whether you are an educator, student, policymaker, or industry specialist, this report will serve as a guide for your geothermal education," noted Leslie Blodgett, co-editor of the report.

Ever wonder how a geothermal power plant works? Want to know more about how geothermal energy can help reduce global warming? Curious about where geothermal resources are located? This 50-page guide will help you find the answers to these and many other questions. It includes 30 charts, tables, maps, and pictures to help the reader understand the power behind one of the fastest growing renewable technologies – the power of the earth’s heat.

Today the U.S. has about 3,000 MW of geothermal electricity connected to the grid. In addition, as of August 2008, almost 4,000 MW of new geothermal power plant capacity is under development. Worldwide, geothermal energy supplies more than 10,000 MW to 24 countries and now produces enough electricity to meet the needs of 60 million people.

“There is a tremendous interest in geothermal energy and its largely untapped potential to help address our energy and climate problems,” noted Karl Gawell, GEA’s Executive Director. “GEA hopes that making this report available will help tap the creativity and imagination of thousands of people to help expand the use of this natural energy source.”

“We have worked hard to make the report readable, while still being thoroughly researched and reviewed,” commented co-editor Kara Slack. The report includes simple definitions, descriptions, and figures and cites key national reports that provide further information. Information and references have been updated with the most recent materials. “Whether you are new to the basics or have been working in the field for years, this report provides valuable information,” she added.

The report is currently available on GEA’s Web site in parts at http://www.geo-energy.org/aboutGE.asp and is available to download in PDF format at http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports.asp.

Geothermal Energy Bringing Millions of New Dollars to Federal, State, and Local Governments, Industry Report Concludes

According to a new report issued today by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), changes made in 2005 to federal geothermal leasing laws are bringing in millions of new and additional dollars to federal, state, and county government coffers. In just two years, FY 2007 and FY 2008, $82 million in new revenues were generated by geothermal activities, according to GEA.

Since 2005, the new policy to competitively lease land for geothermal development has created an impressive new revenue stream for the federal government. Three competitive geothermal lease sales in 2007 and 2008 for parcels in California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah generated $56 million in income. In addition to revenues from the lease sales, income from federal royalties has also continued to increase. Overall, geothermal leasing and production generated $40.87 million in 2007 and $42 million in 2008.

A total of $13.5 million from revenues in 2007 and 2008 was retained by the federal government and placed in the Geothermal Royalty Fund for use by the Department of Interior. The revenues generated by the changes made in 2005 have allowed the federal government to implement the new law and support the administrative, environmental, and other actions needed to process geothermal leases and hold new lease sales.

Six states—California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah—collectively received $27 million for 2007 and 2008 as their share of federal geothermal funds, according to the report. “The legislature of each state can decide how to use these funds provided they give priority to the parts of the State socially or economically impacted by the development of geothermal resources so that they can plan, construct and maintain public facilities, and provide public services,” the report states.

One of the most novel developments from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was the distribution of funds directly to county governments: $4.3 million in 2007 and $9.1 million in 2008. Local governments used these new funds to “…support departments impacted directly or indirectly by geothermal development, such as public services, emergency services, and roads and bridges,” according to the report.

Future trends appear to indicate that this geothermal windfall to the federal, state, and local governments will continue. “It would appear that federal, state, and county revenues should continue to increase and their distribution to more counties and states expand as additional areas are leased and developed in the future,” commented Timothée Néron-Bancel, GEA Research Association and author of the report.

The full report, Geothermal Revenue Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by Timothée Néron-Bancel, is available to download free of charge from the GEA website at www.geo-energy.org.