World adds 530 MW of geothermal capacity in 2013 - GEA

Apr 23, 2014 - The geothermal industry added 530 MW of capacity in 2013, bringing the global cumulative figure to more than 12,000 MW, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) said Tuesday.

In its “2014 Annual US & Global Geothermal Power Production Report,” the organisation explained that fresh capacity additions last year marked the highest levels since 1997, driven by growth in Asia and especially in Indonesia. Geothermal power is now growing at a rate of 4%-5% each year.

In terms of nameplate capacity, the figure in the US stood at 3,442 MW in 2013. The Philippines ranked second with 1,904 MW of geothermal capacity, followed by Indonesia with 1,333 MW.

According to the report, nearly 700 projects are currently under development in 76 countries. In the next few years, geothermal development is expected to expand further in Asia and Africa. East Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia are building plants of over 100 MW. Chile is currently developing 50 projects and prospects, GEA estimates. Indonesia has 4,400 MW of planned capacity additions announced in the pipeline and the US is working on about 1,000 MW of geothermal projects.

Last year, the US added 85 MW of geothermal capacity. Installation figures were flat due to policy barriers, gridlock at the federal level, low natural gas prices and inadequate transmission infrastructure. Still, capacity additions there are expected to increase again the next 10 years, said industry analyst Ben Matek. Already thanks to new legislation, the number of developing projects in Nevada has increased to 45, while in California they are 25.

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