Geothermal energy holds immense potential as a clean, reliable, affordable, and virtually inexhaustible source of 24/7, round-the-clock power. Geothermal power plants work by converting heat from the Earth into electricity, generating about one-tenth of the carbon emissions of a fossil gas plant. Once constructed, some NextGen geothermal systems may even be zero-emission. Geothermal is also a promising and scalable clean energy solution that offers high-quality jobs in a just transition for fossil fuel workers.
Right now, small geothermal energy projects face a cumbersome approval process. The California Energy Commission program that streamlines the approval process for large-scale geothermal projects currently excludes projects below 50 megawatts. AB 531 will expand the types of projects eligible for faster approvals to include geothermal power plants and geothermal field development projects that are 10 to 30 megawatts.
Because these geothermal power plants produce electricity around the clock, even a small plant makes a big impact. Geothermal systems are very dependable. Other than scheduled maintenance downtime, they are always generating electricity. Geothermal energy has the potential to accelerate California’s transition to a clean energy future.
Tell your state senator to support AB 531 to help accelerate Advanced Geothermal Energy Systems.
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