The association attributed the rapid growth to incentives from the federal economic stimulus program and from renewable energy standards enacted in numerous states. Four of the five top states with new projects under development Nevada, California, Utah, and Oregon have renewable energy standards of 20% or more. Idaho, however, which is in fourth place, has no renewable standards.
All of the new projects in 2009 utilized federal tax grants contained in the stimulus bill. In addition, the bill provides for more than $600 million for research into new technology at 135 projects in 25 states over the next two years.
The projects under development will create 100,000 construction jobs, the report said, and result in 30,000 permanent jobs that can never be outsourced.
The government support for geothermal energy is encouraging private investment and bank lending in the sector as well, GEA officials said.
By. Darrell Delamaide
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