Geothermal Energy in Oregon: Job Creation and Other Benefits From New Geothermal Technologies
- Key words
- Job creation; economic benefits; technology advances; geothermal power plants; Oregon geothermal energy projects; state energy policies; federal energy policies
- Location
- Oregon; Neal Hot Springs, Oregon; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Newberry Volcano, Oregon; Paisley, Oregon
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 2014
- Session
- Economics; Social aspects; Employment; Energy policy
- Language
- English
Abstract
Geothermal energy has been used for many years in Oregon. However, because most of Oregon?s known geothermal resources were of relatively low water temperatures, most of the uses have involved direct use of hot water, such as space heating, water heating etc. Recent technological changes have helped produce electric power in Oregon from geothermal resources by developing more efficient power plant technologies and by improving the technologies used to discover higher temperature resources. This paper discusses these developments and the economic benefits created by geothermal energy. The paper also discusses state and federal policies which have encouraged this development, and makes recommendations for further federal actions.
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