Nevada deploys first U.S. commercial, grid-connected enhanced geothermal system  

As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department (Washington, D.C.; www.energy.gov) today recognized the nation’s first commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) project to supply electricity to the grid. Based in Churchill County, Nevada, Ormat Technologies’ Desert Peak 2 EGS project has increased power output of its nearby operating geothermal field by nearly 38% — providing an additional 1.7 MW of power to the grid and validating this emerging clean energy technology. “Developing America’s vast renewable energy resources sustainably is an important part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to create jobs and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness,” says Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Danielson. “The Churchill County geothermal project represents a critical investment to ensure America leads in this growing global industry, helping to create new manufacturing, construction and operation jobs across the country while diversifying our energy portfolio and reducing pollution.” Enhanced geothermal system projects (www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/enhanced_geothermal_systems.html)…