Here’s a continuation of our discussion on geothermal:
There are several U.S. incentives in place that may help expand the geothermal industry:
1) A three year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) making geothermal plants placed in service by December 31, 2013 eligible for the full credit.
2) Extension of the 30% investment tax credit (ITC) to new geothermal projects.
3) $1.6 billion in new bonding authority for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds.
4) Up to $6 billion in loan guarantees for new renewable / geothermal power projects.
Jobs
The Green Jobs Through Geothermal Energy report concludes that the U.S. could significantly bolster levels of employment through expanding the geothermal industry. The report looks carefully at every phase of a geothermal project and the kinds of jobs it creates. It states that more jobs are created than in some energy technologies, but it also employs those from a spectrum of levels and backgrounds, from PhDs to technical “green collar” folks like the drillers, welders and machinists.
A comparative job creation chart from the report is shown below. Comparing Geothermal industry jobs with Natural Gas based on MW produced, sourced from US DOE statistics: (more…)