2011 Looking Good for Geothermal

Washington, D.C. -- Last week's extension of the Treasury Grant Program (TGP) for renewable energy project developers was big news for the geothermal industry. Without the program, a number of companies would have had to stall projects; with it, hundreds of megawatts of power plants are back on the table.
Shortly after the TGP extension, the Geothermal Energy Association released an update on how the market will fair in 2011. While there were only a handful of American power plants built in 2010, the budding development pipeline may bring a number of projects to fruition next year. Here's a snap-shot of the industry, as outlined by the GEA:
New Scene, New Congress, New Jobs - Outlook for 2011: As 2011 unfolds there will be a new surge in geothermal power projects. Around 500 to 700 MW of power projects should enter their final construction phase, adding approximately 3,000 construction jobs. The geothermal sector is also growing in diversity, with almost half of federal stimulus awards going to non-industry entities such as colleges and universities; cities, counties, and other state and local institutions; tribal entities; and The Department of Energy’s National Labs.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/12/2011-looking-good-for-geothermal