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WASHINGTON, Jun 26, 2006 -- U.S. Newswire
A new report from the Geothermal Energy Association documenting Utah's resurgence of geothermal resource development finds that Utah is among the states with the "greatest potential for new development in the West." The report, entitled Geothermal Development Needs in Utah, points to plans to triple the State's geothermal power production by 2007 and recent additions to the geothermal heating project at the Utah State Prison, as examples of new developments. By 2015, Utah could generate enough electricity to power over a quarter-million homes; Utah could use its geothermal resources to produce alternative fuels such as ethanol and bio-diesel; and Direct-use heating projects from low-temperature geothermal resources could have widespread applications in communities throughout the state. According to the author of the report, Daniel Fleischmann, "Utah has the potential to meet a large part of its energy needs from geothermal resources while creating tens of thousands of new jobs in the state." The report is based upon interviews with over 50 leading experts in the geothermal field in the United States, more than 25 of whom have worked specifically with geothermal resources in Utah. State and federal officials, researchers, industry representatives, and clean energy advocates were among the wide range of individuals interviewed. The report examines Utah's current and future potential for geothermal development, highlighting 15 specific resource areas in the state. It also examines the impact of recent government programs on new development and the policies federal and state lawmakers could put in place to encourage this development. According to the extensive interviews conducted, the report finds: An extension of the federal production tax credit is considered critical to expanding Utah's geothermal power production beyond 2007; An RPS could be feasibly met by Utah's renewable resources, when considering the near-term potential for new geothermal power production; and The state could make use of the abundance of geothermal resources along the Wasatch Front by incorporating direct-use heating facilities in the State Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit, and through requiring the inclusion of geothermal resources in regional planning. The report will be made available free of charge on the GEA website at http://www.geo-energy.org . News Provided By |
