A geothermal power plant is seen in the distance through geological mudpots atop the San Andreas Fault in Calipatria, California
(Reuters) – Geothermal energy in the Great Basin of Nevada and adjoining states could produce electricity equivalent to 10% of the current U.S. power supply, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Thursday.
The projected 10% would be a major increase, considering that geothermal energy currently contributes less than 1% to the nation’s power supply, the agency said in a note.
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“Provisional assessment shows potential for 135 gigawatts of baseload power – if current technology works at scale in Nevada and 5 adjoining states,” it noted.
Geothermal energy refers to heat generated within the Earth that can be harnessed for uses including heating, cooling and electricity generation.
With adequate technological advancements in coming years, the geothermal potential in the Great Basin is sufficient to fulfill a significant portion of the nation’s electrical requirements, the agency added.
Following the assessment in the Great Basin, the next region to be evaluated will be the Williston Basin in North Dakota, according to the agency.
Reporting by Noel John in Bengaluru Editing by Matthew Lewis
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