Geothermal Energy: International Market Update 2010 to Be Unveiled at Geothermal Energy Association Global Geothermal Showcase and Forum in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Leading developers, researchers and policy makers from the U.S. and abroad will convene on Friday, May 21, at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. for the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) Global Geothermal Showcase and Forum. A major highlight for this year’s event will be the release of the GEA‘s Geothermal Energy: International Market Update 2010, a comprehensive study detailing the state of the geothermal industry around the world.

“That is why Pratt & Whitney Power Systems is happy to sponsor the Geothermal Energy Association’s Global Geothermal Showcase and Forum.”

“The geothermal energy industry is a key player in today's global market, and this is a very exciting time for geothermal as we watch exponential growth throughout the industry,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “This conference explores how good business and policy have driven the industry’s growth and how support for long-term and robust funding of DOE's geothermal technologies program, as well as a 6-year extension of geothermal tax credits, will continue that progress for years to come.”

Slated for release at the conference, GEA’s Geothermal Energy: International Market Update 2010 will offer an international context for industry growth, will point to key players and policies in the global scene, and will explore how the industry can continue on its current trajectory. Data released during the recent World Geothermal Congress in Bali, Indonesia showed the United States continues to lead the world in geothermal power production, with over 3,000 MW produced; enough baseload energy to power 750,000 homes or a city the size of Washington, D.C. GEA’s recent U.S. Geothermal Industry Update showed 26% growth in U.S. geothermal development over 2009 and detailed the growth of the industry across the country. Geothermal power was strong in traditional states such as Nevada and California, but has begun pushing into new areas including Texas and the Gulf Coast region.

The forum agenda features discussions on the current state of U.S. and global geothermal markets, showcases of projects under development in the U.S. and abroad, and trends in the U.S. and global geothermal industry. Other topics to be covered include national and international policies to support geothermal development, the global potential for geothermal energy, and technology developments.

Organizations and companies will be on hand to discuss the latest in innovation. Tabletop exhibitors include: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Energy, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, Potter Drilling, Energent Corporation and Perma Works.

The Forum and Showcase is sponsored by Gold Level Sponsor Pratt & Whitney Power Systems (PWPS). PWPS markets the PureCycle® system that can harness heat in the form of hot water from many different sources such as geothermal or oil & gas co-produced fluids, reciprocating engines, and industrial waste heat to generate clean and reliable electricity. PWPS also offers the international Turboden line of ORC products in the range from 400 kW to about 2.2 MW for biomass and waste heat applications. PWPS provides comprehensive maintenance, extended service contracts, and 24/7/365 remote monitoring services.

“Advancing geothermal technology and establishing energy policy that helps promote development of geothermal and other renewable power projects is important as the United States looks for additional green sources of energy,” Peter Christman, president of Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, said. “That is why Pratt & Whitney Power Systems is happy to sponsor the Geothermal Energy Association’s Global Geothermal Showcase and Forum.”

Scheduled speakers include: Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association; Charles Baron, Geothermal Program Lead, Climate and Energy Team, Google.org; Toni Volpe, President of Enel North America, James M. Kiiru, Commercial Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Magnus Gehringer, Senior Energy Specialist, The World Bank, Chris Miller, Senior Advisor to Senator Harry Reid, and more.

For media credentials, please contact Garret Drexler at 646-695-7042 or [e-mail].

For more information, including the draft agenda, visit: http://www.geo-energy.org/workshops/workshop_may21.aspx

About the Geothermal Energy Association:

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/. Check out GEA’s YouTube Channel. Follow GEA on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook.