The goal of providing 10 percent of the U.S. western states’ power through geothermal is achievable by 2020, according to Bill Richardson, Energy Secretary. The U.S. Department of Energy’s “GeoPowering the West” is a new initiative to capitalize on the abundant geothermal resources found in the western United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Geothermal plants in California currently produce about 1,600 megawatts of power, about seven percent of the states annual power needs.
$4.8 million in research grants for geothermal energy technology development projects will be disbursed. The plan calls for eight states to have geothermal electric power facilities by 2006, and seven million homes to be powered with geopower by 2010.
Public comments are being accepted until April 30 on the draft action plan: [sorry this link is no longer available]
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