A new report says the geothermal industry is steadily growing. Projects are planned throughout the Northwest.
Although renewable energy development faces uncertainties with production tax credit extensions, the Geothermal Energy Association says its industry is expanding. A new report found about 150 projects in the works in the western United States.
Karl Gawell is the association’s executive director. He says several projects are opening up new areas for geothermal development. Washington is one. Gawell says finding new resources can sometimes be tricky.
“We need to have better exploration and drilling technologies because that’s one of the biggest hurdles to geothermal prospects.”
One project is planned near Mount Baker in Washington. Oregon has 16 new projects planned. Eleven new projects are planned in Idaho.