WASHINGTON, Dec 21, 2005 -- U.S. Newswire

 

In 2005, over 15 countries moved to expand their geothermal power production, according to the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), the U.S. industry trade association. "The outlook for future growth is surging," commented Karl Gawell, GEA's executive director.

The United States is seeing its first wave of new geothermal power development in a decade. "The first new power plant resulting from a state Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) was commissioned in Nevada in 2005. This is the first of many new plants that will deliver clean, reliable electricity to consumers," Gawell noted. "Over 500 Megawatts (MW) of new projects have secured power contracts in 2005, with more expected in the coming year," he added.

Recent analysis produced for the Western Governors' Association (WGA) demonstrates a near-term potential of 5,600 MW of new geothermal power. New power prospects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Today geothermal electricity is produced in only four states, but with continued federal and state support, this could triple by 2010, according to GEA. Information on both the existing and new geothermal projects is available at: http://www.geo-energy.org/information/plants.asp.

While the U.S. has been the leader in geothermal power, its prominence faced serious challenges in 2005. The Philippines, which already produces nearly 20 percent of its electricity from geothermal sources, set its sights on outpacing the U.S. They expect to add 500 to 700 MW in the next 3 to 4 years to the 1,500 MW of power in operation. Eventually, the Philippines seeks to have as much as 10,000 MW of geothermal power.

Indonesia, another major geothermal producer, also has big plans for expansion. With over 800 MW of geothermal power operating today, the Indonesian government announced plans to increase production rapidly with a goal of achieving 2,000MW by 2009, and as much as 6,000 MW by 2020.

These developments mean that projections made earlier this year may already be out-of-date. In March, the International Geothermal Association (IGA) projected that geothermal power would grow from 8,900 MW in 2005 to 10,700 MW by 2010. According to GEA "recent developments indicate that over 13,500 MW should be on-line by 2010 - - representing nearly 50 percent growth in geothermal power production worldwide."

In addition to developments in the U.S., the Philippines and Indonesia, some highlights of 2005 were:

-- Canada: Testing and evaluation of Canada's first geothermal project have seen positive results, which means Canada will likely become the twenty-fifth country to produce geothermal power in the near future.

-- Germany: A deep-well geothermal power station, producing 3.36 MW, is in the midst of development near Munich. Initial drilling has already produced favorable results and demonstrates the potential for producing geothermal power from deep resources in areas outside of the major geothermal zones of the world.

-- Iceland: There are several new geothermal plants under construction which will be dedicated to supplying electrical power to aluminum companies relocating from Germany and the U.S. Also, plans are in place to drill a deep research well to help estimate the geothermal reserves of the country â??- which are expected to be many times greater than previously thought.

-- India: The first geothermal project on the subcontinent was under preliminary development in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. This is considered a pilot project for tapping an estimated 10,600 MW of geothermal power.

-- Iran: The first geothermal power plant in Iran has already been through 10,000 meters of drilling, and is set to be in production within the next few years. Iran could be the first country in that region to produce geothermal power.

-- New Zealand: Significant expansion of New Zealand's geothermal power production is underway. Permits were approved for a 60 MW power station in the northwestern area of the Wairakei-Tauhara geothermal field and for construction of a 70 MW power plant at the Kawerau field of the North Island, with more expected in the future.

-- Nicaragua: A 66 MW project is under development, with construction of the first 10 MW phase completed. Another 400 MW of new projects are under consideration.

-- East African: New projects are under consideration Djibouti, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. With potential of 7,000 MW and generation of only 130 MW, there is significant untapped potential in East Africa. The World Bank's new African Rift Geothermal Fund, which will begin operating in 2006, is expected to be a major catalyst for development in the region.

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