The most active geothermal resources typically are found near major plate boundaries where earthquakes and volcanoes are concentrated. Globally, most of the geothermal activity occurs in an area called the "Ring of Fire" and this area rims the Pacific Ocean. In the U.S., most of the geothermal reservoirs are located in the western states, Alaska, and Hawaii. California is the state that generates the most electricity from geothermal energy. In fact, the Geysers dry steam reservoir in northern California is the largest known dry steam field in the world with this field producing electricity since 1960.[1]
In addition to the state mandates, growth areas for geothermal potential in the U.S. historically is governed by the natural geothermal resources available to any given area. The map above shows those areas within the U.S. that have the most geothermal potential, depicted by the hotter regions in red. While it may appear that these "hotter" areas have the most near term potential, an MIT report released in 2007 concluded that vast opportunities exist (i.e., 100,000MW potential in 20 years) across the U.S. by employing EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) or deep well drilling technologies. However, one must note that these EGS technologies are currently in their developmental stages.[2]
Research by Eva Patry
