Geothermal industry matures

As leaders in the development of geothermal energy worldwide gather in Reno next week, they'll be taking a close look at an industry that is moving into an important new phase.

And they'll be gathering in a city that's is becoming established as one of the most important centers for the geothermal industry worldwide.

The Geothermal Energy Association has scheduled the National Geothermal Summit August 16-17 at the Grand Sierra Resort.

The Summit comes as the geothermal industry nears a key moment in its development.

"The year ahead promises to be robust for the geothermal industry as numerous projects are switching from development phases to full-fledged geothermal power plants," says Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association. "And a second wave of development is on its way. This summit will address the opportunities and challenges that many projects face as they enter the drilling and production phase, which is a great source for job creation."

Executives of geothermal energy companies from across the world, supporting professionals such as bankers and lawyers, government officials and suppliers to the growing industry will be attendance.

They'll be discussing:

* The outlook for support for the geothermal industry in the federal government and statehouses throughout the West.

* The development of transmission projects in the West to carry electricity from geothermal plants to power-hungry urban areas.

* New policy developments in California concerning renewable energy.

* Steps that are necessary to move forward with development of geothermal projects on federal lands.

Along with the scheduled discussion sessions, more than 25 suppliers and government agencies will host exhibits throughout the summit.

Among the spotlighted speakers will be Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, whose welcoming address on August 17 will highlight the growing importance of Reno as a headquarters to the geothermal industry.

Geothermal plants within the city limits have the capacity to generate 100 megawatts of power, enough to meet the city's entire residential demand for electricity.

"We are excited that experts from around the country and world are coming to Reno to learn more about geothermal development," Cashell says.

Reno is home to a significant number of Geothermal Energy Association members, and the organization says northern Nevada is home to one of the most important geothermal business communities in the United States.

The University of Nevada, Reno, meanwhile, is home to the newly opened National Geothermal Academy.

The academy, the first geothermal energy training program of its type in the United States, has been created by a consortium that includes UNR, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell, Stanford, the Oregon Institute of Technology and the University of Utah.

Statewide in Nevada, 21 geothermal plants currently are in operation with a total capacity of 441.8 megawatts.

With more developing projects than any other state, Nevada is expected to become an ever-larger player in the geothermal industry.

Nationwide, the installed capacity of geothermal plants totals about 3,100 megawatts enough to power more than 2 million homes, or the residential populations of San Francisco, Portland and Seattle combined.

Nine states are home to geothermal production Nevada, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

Among the most pressing needs of the industry and a subject that's certain to get substantial attention during the summit is a streamlined permitting process.

"GEA's estimated 144 projects in development will require $26 billion in capital, if they can get through the permitting process to construction," says Paul Thomsen, an executive of Reno-based Ormat Technologies Inc., who serves as president of the GEA board of directors.

Sponsors of the summit are Ormat Technologies and the law firm of Stoel Rives, LLP. Co-sponsors include The City of Reno, the Western Area Power Administration and the National Geothermal Academy.

Organizations that are sponsoring individual events during The Summit include Enel Green Power North America, Islandsbanki, Geothermal Resource Group, Ram Power Corp., Pratt & Whitney Power Systems and Terra-Gen Power.