Enel is helping to the growth of geothermal energy in the USA

In 2009 power plants were completed for 176 MW, of which 37% was installed by Enel Green Power

The development of renewables in the USA now includes a greater share of geothermal energy.
In 2009, new plants were completed for 176 MW, so that the total installed capacity reached 3,086 MW.

It is therefore three times higher than it was in 2008, when new plants totalized about 61 MW. Furthermore, the growth expected for the future is still far more significant: according to data released by the US Geothermal Energy Association (GEA, 188 projects are being developed in 15 states, for a total capacity of 7,875 MW.

Enel contributed substantially to last year’s development, having completed two plants in Nevada for a total of 65 MW, through Enel North America (a subsidiary of Enel Green Power). Enel North America is also developing a 20 MW project in California and two other plants in Utah, totalizing a capacity between 40 and 100 MW.

Geothermal energy can play an essential role in increasing the availability of electricity and heat, combating global warming by reducing imports of fossil fuels and developing local industry and jobs. For these reasons, its development is also being supported in the US not only by means of federal policies and tax benefits, but also through renewable targets set by the states.
Out of 50 US states, 9 have installed geothermal systems: California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii. About 80% of the entire capacity (2565 MW) is currently concentrated in California. Nevada, presently second (427 MW), is where the greatest growth is expected, estimated between 2,120 and 3,686 MW.

6 other states (Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Washington) are about to put into service their first geothermal plant.