The renewable energy industry convenes this week in California , the birthplace of U.S. geothermal energy production, for the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo. In conjunction with the event, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has released Why Support Geothermal, a report highlighting the benefits of supporting geothermal energy.
Why Support Geothermal reviews the advantages of geothermal power and reasons why it is important to invest in this valuable energy resource including:
- Geothermal power can be produced as a baseload renewable energy resource, meaning it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of changing weather, providing a uniquely reliable and continuous source of clean energy. As a baseload power source, geothermal is well suited as a substitute for coal in our utility system.
- Geothermal supports local economic development.
- Geothermal energy is widely available.
- Geothermal energy promotes national security.
The Expo will also include a Geothermal Track on February 15 and 16. The first day will feature papers and presentations on innovative geothermal power plant systems and technology that increase resource efficiency and offer more dynamic load support to utilities. A second session will highlight geothermal policy and economics, exploring the role of federal and state governments and what industry needs in order to accelerate growth.
On Thursday, February 16, a paper-and-presentation session will feature how geothermal energy developers increasingly use waste heat recovery and the Organic Rankine Cycle for increased efficiency.
