by Steve Ponder, Executive Director of the Geothermal Resources Council
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| Water boils at the surface of a pool at The Geysers, billed as the world’s largest geothermal resource for generating electricity. (The Press Democrat) |
Gov. Jerry Brown is pursuing a goal for California to get at least 50 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. While the focus has been on solar and wind, geothermal is our oldest and most proven source of renewable energy, and the only source that can ensure a balanced and stable portfolio.
California’s unique geology has created underground pockets of steam and hot water that can be tapped to generate energy. The Legislature declared Thursday as Geothermal Awareness Day – a reminder that as early as the 1960s, long before attention turned to solar and wind, utilities were harvesting this form of energy to power homes and businesses throughout the state.
Ever the pioneer in alternative energy, California built the second geothermal power facility ever used in the world. Although we now value geothermal as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in those early years it was valued for its reliability.
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California’s unique geology has created underground pockets of steam and hot water that can be tapped to generate energy. The Legislature declared Thursday as Geothermal Awareness Day – a reminder that as early as the 1960s, long before attention turned to solar and wind, utilities were harvesting this form of energy to power homes and businesses throughout the state.
Ever the pioneer in alternative energy, California built the second geothermal power facility ever used in the world. Although we now value geothermal as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in those early years it was valued for its reliability.
Read More.......
