U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Geothermal Technologies Program – GeoPowering the West

Utility Geothermal Working Group

The Utility Geothermal Working Group (UGWG) is a group of utilities and ancillary associations formed under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Geopowering the West (GPW) Initiative.

UGWG is supported by a number of organizations, including:

  • DOE
  • Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)
  • Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)
  • Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)

The UGWG Mission

To accelerate the appropriate integration of three geothermal technologies into mainstream applications:

  • Power Generation
  • Direct Use
  • GeoExchange

Some UGWG Members

Arizona Public Service
BPA
The Geothermal Resources Council
GPW State Working Groups
Sandia National Lab
Idaho National Lab
Ormat, Int'l

  

Palo Alto Utilities
Redding Electric
South San Joaquin ID
Salt River Project
Seattle City Light
Springfield UB
WAPA


Why Should a Utility Consider Geothermal Power?

Below is a short list of advantages realized through use of geothermal power.

Utility Grade Power

  • Modular power plants are readily expanded as needs increase
  • Power costs competitive with current fossil fuel technologies
  • Baseload power produced 24/7 @ over 90% Capacity Factor
  • Fuel risk assumed by project operator not by consumer

Sustainable and Environmentally Safe

  • Many projects operating for decades at 98%+ availability
  • Geothermal is non-combustion - near zero emissions

Minimal Surface Use


Independent of Weather


Field-proven Technologies — Over 8,000 megawatts are in use worldwide

Straightforward to install, Operate, and Maintain

  • Projects developed over 3-year period - O&M by local staff

UGWG Contact Information

Guy Nelson, Team Leader

Phone: (541) 994-4670
E-mail: gnelson181@aol.com

Public Renewables Partnership

The Public Renewables Partnership (PRP) is an initiative dedicated to enabling public organizations, co-operatives, and Tribal utility authorities to effectively integrate renewable energy into their power portfolios and business strategies. PRP's primary objective is to better inform utility decision makers about renewable energy technology options and potentials.