The Obama administration is boosting its investment in renewable, geothermal power. But will it solve our energy problems?
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| Eighteen geothermal power plants are distributed across 45 square miles at The Geysers. (Courtesy Calpine Corp.) |
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
USA:
Betting on Steam (East Bay Express)
The Obama administration is boosting its investment in renewable, geothermal power. But will it solve our energy problems?
Biding its time beneath our feet is enough heat to power the entire state of California. But that's nothing. According to a 2008 estimate from the US Geological Service, there may be enough sub-surface energy in the West alone to meet roughly 70 percent of the nation's electricity needs. Other projections have placed that figure far higher, exceeding the sum of all energy consumed in the United States.
The Obama administration is boosting its investment in renewable, geothermal power. But will it solve our energy problems?
