Geothermal projects to open 3,000 jobs in 2011 - Geothermal Energy Association

(ADPnews) - Oct 22, 2010 - Geothermal developments in the US are expected to open some 3,000 construction working positions next year mainly in California and Nevada, as 500 MW to 700 MW of sector projects will reach their final construction phase in 2011, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) writes in an industry report.

According to the "Green Jobs through Geothermal Energy" report, tax incentives, federal stimulus and strong state green standards are still driving the growth of the geothermal sector and are leading to the opening of new workplaces. "The majority of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investment will really start to pay dividends for the economy in 2011," Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA, said.

The organisation estimates that around 95% of all geothermal projects funded through ARRA are less than 50% complete or haven't kicked off yet. Nearly a half of the financing awards under the Geothermal Technologies Program have gone towards non-industry units, including colleges, universities, counties, tribal entities etc.

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