Geothermal resources in Nevada and five adjoining states could generate up to 10% of the current U.S. electricity supply, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said on Thursday, marking a significant step toward expanding the nation’s clean energy portfolio.
The assessment focuses on the Great Basin, a region encompassing much of Nevada and parts of California, Oregon, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. According to the USGS, the area holds the potential for approximately 135 gigawatts of baseload electricity generation—provided current technologies can be deployed effectively at scale.
“Provisional assessment shows potential for 135 gigawatts of baseload power – if current technology works at scale in Nevada and 5 adjoining states,” the agency stated in its release.
Geothermal energy, which utilizes heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, currently accounts for less than 1% of the national power supply. The new findings suggest the resource could play a significantly larger role in U.S. energy production, especially if technological advances continue.
The agency said that with further innovation, geothermal systems in the Great Basin could help meet a meaningful share of national power demand with consistent, low-emission generation.
The USGS also noted that following this regional assessment, the next geothermal resource evaluation will focus on the Williston Basin in North Dakota.
