147 Megawatts of Geothermal Energy Added in 2012

According to the Geothermal Energy Association, the U.S. added 147.05 MW of gross geothermal capacity in 2012, a five percent increase from the previous year.

Geothermal energy has a promising future in the renewable energy field. Geothermal energy is thermal energy that is generated and stored in the Earth. And according to the Geothermal Energy Association, the U.S. added 147.05 MW of gross geothermal power capacity in 2012, a five percent increase from 2011.

While that may not seem like a high increase, this type of energy generates power 24/7 regardless of the weather, which makes it worth developing further. Those in the geothermal field are working on making this renewable energy more affordable, and solving problems that it may potentially cause.

Recent geothermal projects include a 49.9 MW plant in California, a 30.1 MW hot spring in Oregon, and at least 13 geothermal advanced projects that could come online this year.

Source: TreeHugger