Policy makers, utilities officials, industry leaders and geothermal professionals will descend on The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on the 5-6 of August to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing geothermal industry growth. Often referred to as the "the global business center for geothermal," Nevada is home to 12 major geothermal developers/operators. Additionally, the geothermal energy plants surrounding Reno produce enough power to support the city’s residential load.
"The United States is the leader in geothermal, and the Western States are trailblazers for the technology,” noted Kari Gawell, GEA executive director. “But there is much work to be done for geothermal to reach its potential. It is imperative to bring together policy makers and business leaders to examine the challenges that are holding back geothermal."
Year-end data shows that Nevada has proven itself as one of the most business-friendly environments for the geothermal industry, with the number of developing projects reaching 45 -- that's more than double that of California, accoriding to GEA. Still, the geothermal resource base is still largely untapped, observers say. With new initiatives in Nevada, California and Oregon moving to recognize the values of geothermal power, GEA is optimistic that state policies could spark another period of growth in geothermal power over the next decade.
Presentations and break-out sessions scheduled to take place at the GEA Summit will address a range of topics critical to the industry today, including the future of the RPS policies; new U.S. codes and standards for geothermal energy; leasing and permitting improvements; the outlook for new renewable power procurements in the Western states; achieving the potential of the Salton Sea; next steps to move geothermal forward in Nevada; and the outlook for federal and state legislation to support geothermal growth.
Confirmed speakers include: Commissioner David Hochschild, California Energy Commission; Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy and Client Services, California ISO; Barry Dong, Manager Geothermal/Biomass, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP); Carl Stills, Energy Manager, Imperial Irrigation District, Keith Martin, Partner, Chadboune Parke LLP; Randy Keller, Director of Development, Transmission & Land Assets, CalEnergy; and Bob Sullivan, Vice President of Business Development, Ormat. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will provide a video greeting.
The GEA Summit is co-hosted by Ormat, and supported by City of Reno; Imperial Irrigation District; Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada; Nevada Geothermal Council; Western Area Power Administration; and the Geothermal Resources Council.
Register online today!