[The Vector] Let's Talk Geothermal: Industry Stats and Jobs
Geothermal energy is a renewable, plentiful, clean and essentially limitless source of energy that can use a variety of applications. Geothermal is defined simply as heat from the earth. It tends to get less attention than wind, solar, and biofuels, but one myth the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) says floats around – that the industry is experimental and technologies not widely used – is simply not true.
Geothermal goes as far back as the Paleo-Indian, who first used thermal hot springs. Such district-wide heating projects have been in continuous use since 1892, such as in Boise, Idaho and in Oregon. In 1904, Italy opened the first large-scale geothermal electric plant and it is still operating today. The first U.S. geothermal plant opened at The Geysers in California in 1960, and produces 11 MW of net power, continuing operations today as well. Geothermal power is used in 21 countries. The Philippines derives 27% of its electricity from geothermal sources and little El Salvador gets 26% of its electricity generation from geothermal. However, what is in use today – about 10,715 MW installed — is but a fraction that could be used, and the industry has nowhere to go but up.