| Abstract |
Over 900 Mwe of electrical capacity has been installed at the dry steam field at the Geysers, identifying California as the world leader in geothermal development for production of electricity. Although the amount of installed capacity is impressive, only a small fraction of the state's total geothermal resources has so far been developed. These resources also include high and low temperature hydrothermal fields for future electrical and direct heat applications. Given the diversity of California's geothermal resource base and the diverse technological and economic risks associated with the fields, multiple development strategies need to be pursued. A responsive state regulatory approach must recognize this diversity and the costs and risks geothermal in order to ensure the geothermal resources will continue to provide a reliable economic source of energy supply. |