Geothermal energy has enormous potential to deliver a significant portion of our heat and electricity needs, especially in the western United States.
NREL's Geothermal Technologies Program supports the Laboratory's work in energy systems research and testing. NREL leads the R&D effort to enhance conversion of geothermal energy into heat and electricity. The NREL Geothermal Energy Systems Research and Testing Program promotes the economical production of electricity from low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources by increasing plant cycle utilization efficiency, optimizing plant design, and lowering operation and maintenance costs. NREL also is developing several prototype small-scale systems that combine producing electricity and then using the downstream hot water for direct-use purposes, such as greenhouses and aquaculture.
Many R&D projects are undertaken in conjunction with industry partners and universities to ensure rapid deployment of the new technology into the marketplace. The GeoPowering the West program works with the U.S. geothermal industry; power companies; industrial and residential consumers; and federal, state, and local officials to provide technical and institutional support, as well as limited, cost-shared funding to state-level activities.
Learn more about NREL's Geothermal Technologies Research.
NREL supports the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Geothermal Technologies Program.
Contact Gerry Nix with questions regarding NREL's Geothermal Technologies Program.
|
