Nevada Grant for Geothermal Research (KTVN)
The state of Nevada has secured a grant from the federal government to develop geothermal energy technology and it could mean big money for the state.
Nevada is kind of a pioneer when it comes to geothermal energy already-- the state produces more than 400 megawatts of geothermal energy which is enough to power about 400,000 homes.
And as the country moves toward reducing its dependence on fossil fuels - and increasing clean sources of energy - geothermal is becoming more popular. "Geothermal has proven to be hugely economic and one of the unique things about it is it produces power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year,” says Paul Thomsen from the Governor's Office Energy Director.
That's compared to solar and wind generated power which are dependent on time of day and weather. Geothermal technology works by using superheated steam from the earth to turn turbines which generate electricity.
Nevada's new federal grant will go toward developing a test site just outside of Fallon. And it's just the beginning, Thomsen says. If the testing goes well it could qualify Nevada for a $100 million research facility there to develop better technology. "This could lower the price of geothermal and make geothermal development even more prominent throughout the west than it is in Nevada."
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