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Geoscience FAQ

What is the potential for geothermal energy production in the United States?

Information preserved from U.S. Geological Survey.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a comprehensive assessment of U.S. geothermal resources in 2008, summarized in the fact sheet Assessment of Moderate- and High-Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States:

"The assessment indicates that the electric power generation potential from identified geothermal systems is 9,057 Megawatts-electric (MWe), distributed over 13 states. The mean estimated power production potential from undiscovered geothermal resources is 30,033 MWe. Additionally, another estimated 517,800 MWe could be generated through implementation of technology for creating geothermal reservoirs in regions characterized by high temperature, but low permeability, rock formations [enhanced geothermal systems]."

Learn More:

  • Assessment of Moderate- and High-Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States (Fact sheet), U.S. Geological Survey
    Summarizes the USGS assessment of identified geothermal systems, potential from undiscovered geothermal resources, and potential geothermal energy that could be extracted from enhanced geothermal systems.
     
  • Geothermal Energy Atlas (Map), National Laboratory of the Rockies
    Shows potential for development of deep enhanced geothermal systems and the location of current hydrothermal resources. 
     
  • What is an Enhanced Geothermal System? (EGS) (Fact sheet), Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office
    Provides an overview of enhanced geothermal systems, a growing new technology that could provide access to a very large domestic energy resource.

 

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