Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses the heat beneath the Earth’s surface to heat buildings or create electricity.

About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is heat from the earth. This heat can be utilized to meet energy needs. We will focus on electricity produced from geothermal energy derived from sources deep underground.

Learn more about geothermal energy

Location and Potential of Geothermal Energy Resources

In the U.S., geothermal energy resources are located primarily in the west, as indicated on the following map.

Potential geothermal energy reserves are considered inexhaustible, given the immense heat below the earth’s surface; however individual geothermal energy sites can be exhausted more rapidly than they are naturally reheated, particularly if the water removed is not re-injected.

Furthermore, geological factors limit development options for generating facilities primarily to the west. California, Nevada and Utah have the highest electricity generation potential; other states with high potential are Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. These states could produce up to 20,000 megawatts with enhanced technology.

An inventory of ten western states identified 271 communities located within five miles of a geothermal resource.

Current Level of Geothermal Energy Development

Currently only four states generate electricity from geothermal resources. California produces 2500 megawatts, Nevada produces 200 MW, Utah produces 40 MW, and Hawaii produces 30 MW. In total, this provides electricity for 3.7 million people. Forty-seven percent of geothermal energy is produced on public lands.

General Principles for Geothermal Energy Production

While there are many advantages to expanding the use of geothermal energy to generate heat electricity and replace gasoline as automotive fuel, we also recognize that even clean, renewable energy can have environmental impacts.  Defenders of Wildlife supports the following principles regarding geothermal energy production.

Geothermal Energy Production Should:

  • not negatively affect important surface geothermal features
  • be done in a way that is compatible with other multiple use resource values
  • ensure that emissions of water, air, and solid waste pollutants do not become a problem
  • ensure that water and wastewater be safely disposed of
  • consider the totality of the energy production process
  • comply with local planning and zoning laws
  • ensure that wildlife, aquatic ecosystem, and recreational needs are met and maintained, and the needs of many other water users, such as farmers, must be considered as well, particularly in arid areas.
  • be greenhouse gas positive or neutral
  • be sensitive to the presence of thermophilic bacteria and other organisms.

Learn more about these general principles for geothermal energy production

Detailed Recommendations For Geothermal Energy

Defenders of Wildlife supports the use of geothermal energy, but we have a number of detailed recommendations for the development this resource in a manner that reduces adverse impacts on wildlife habitat and the environment.  The recommendations range from solid waste production to siting of energy plants on public lands.

Learn more about each of our recommendations.

Resources

U.S. Department of Energy, Geothermal Technologies Program

Idaho National Laboratory- Geothermal Program