Presentation to Utah Geothermal Working Group

Robert M. (Bob) Neilson, Jr.Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

January 20, 2004

GeoPowering the West

Geothermal Energy Challenges

• Use of Public Lands• Consistent & Supportive

Policies• Transmission Access• Public Awareness

• Cost of Electricity• Resource Exploration• New Technologies

What is GeoPowering the West?

• An outreach effort with state and local emphasis to increase the use of geothermal energy across the West

• Activities that focus on institutional and other non-technical barriers to geothermal development

• A complement to the R&D activities of the DOE Geothermal Technologies Program

• A collaboration of stakeholders that supports a vision for dramatically expanded use of geothermal energy

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GeoPowering the West has goals to:

• Double the number of states, from 4 to 8, with geothermal electric power production facilities by 2006 and

• Supply the electrical power or heat of 7 million homes and businesses in the U.S. by 2015

The GPW Network

Department of Energy• Geothermal Technologies Program• Lead National Laboratories• EERE Seattle and Denver Regional Offices• Power Marketing Administrations

Our Collaborators• State Energy/Resource Programs• Other Federal Agencies• Industry/Trade Association • Tribal Organizations• Universities

• Non-Profit Organizations

State Working Groups

– Secure state-wide coordination and support

– Co-sponsor workshops– Identify key

barriers/opportunities– Leverage resources– Provide information