Geothermal Energy 2005 in Review, 2006 Outlook: "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.

The use of geothermal energy for commercial and heating purposes also expanded in 2005 with a new district heating system operating in Canby, California, and greenhouses added to the district heating system of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Additional projects were under development, with several receiving support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) in 2005. With some of the most significant impediments to direct use of geothermal resources being addressed by Congress in its overhaul of the Geothermal Steam Act, there was renewed interest in direct use by ranchers, schools, tribes and others throughout the West.

Growth continued for geothermal heat"