Print this pagePresent Status and Future of 
Geothermal
Energy Development
Phillip Michael Wright
Development of geothermal resources for electrical power generation and
direct uses (e.g. greenhouse heating, vegetable processing) is accelerating as
governments of developing countries increasingly recognize the advantages of
geothermal energy and gain confidence in its reliability. Presently, about 2,400
megawatts of geothermal power are on line in the U.S., and about 6,000 megawatts
are operating worldwide. Projects to develop more than 3,000 megawatts of power
in the Philippines, Indonesia and Central America have been announced by the US
geothermal industry during the past two years. Other projects are also being
undertaken by geothermal companies or by the governments of developing countries.
However, the market for new electrical generation from geothermal project in the
US is stagnant as a result of continuing overcapacity and low prices for power
generated using natural gas in combustion turbines. An upturn in the US market
is predicted around the year 2000.
Geothermal energy can and will supply a significant part of the world's
demand for electricity and direct heat in the future. Rough estimates indicate
that 80,000 megawatts of power generation might be available from geothermal
resource areas presently known but incompletely explored in countries throughout
the world. Most of this development will result in electricity costs between 5
and 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, rates which are very competitive with other
fuels in most parts of the world.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California