More than 2,000 business and policy leaders from over 20 countries came together in Reno last week for the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2012, the world’s largest gathering of the geothermal business community. The GEA Expo, hosted by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), featured 166 exhibitors showcasing the latest in geothermal technological advancements.
This year the focus was on the international market, where double digit growth has created a strong export business for U.S. geothermal companies.
“Each year, the GEA Expo offers an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their latest developments, talk business on the Expo floor, and then do business together afterward,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.
“This year in particular, I was struck by the strong interest in the global market, and how U.S. leadership in technological advancements can translate into new business overseas for U.S. companies. And, despite a sluggish economy in the United States , the industry is hopeful that there will be a turnaround in the next couple of years as the economy recovers, particularly if federal and state policies are adjusted to recognize the value geothermal energy.”
“GDA always welcomes the opportunity to participate in the annual GEA expo. There is no better time to reconnect with the companies in our industry to celebrate our successes with one another,” said Yvette B. Hamacek, Marketing Coordinator, Geothermal Development Associates.
“It is also a valuable time to collaborate on current interests and future possibilities for turning potential energy into energy on the grid. Moving forward, GDA will continue to focus on the strong working relationships that we have formed overseas, particularly in the African Rift Valley, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea . Additionally, we look forward to exploring some new found possibilities—both overseas and in our home state of Nevada .”
“The GEA Expo is the single largest annual event for the global geothermal industry, and TAS Energy has been participating since we entered the geothermal market. We would never miss this opportunity to connect with the most important stakeholders, thought leaders, developers, government agencies, and geothermal partners, coming together face-to-face for an exciting three day intensive event, to discuss, plan, and commit to engage in future business together,” said Halley Dickey, Director Geothermal Business Development, TAS Energy. “With the explosion in growth of several key international markets, our company succeeded in connecting with those moving important project developments forward in these rapidly expanding markets abroad. We met with key clients and partners to secure business that we expect to complete before this year’s end, and established the foundations for strong growth in 2013.”
“The GRC Annual Meeting coupled with the GEA Expo provided an effective forum for geothermal development both nationally and internationally,” said Paul Thomsen, president of GEA and director for Ormat Technologies, Inc. “The event presented a great opportunity to highlight Reno as a hub for geothermal and encouraged continued discussion among the many entities involved in future project success.”
Nevada had 11 companies exhibiting at the GEA Expo. The Silver State leads the nation with 59 geothermal projects currently in development, and Reno is the only major metro area in the United States that produces enough geothermal energy to meet its entire residential load.
This year’s GEA Expo attracted a diverse roster of attendees, including leading geothermal companies, higher-education institutions and government agencies. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) walked the trade show floor, visiting exhibitors including Department of Navy Geothermal Program Office; Ormat Technologies, Inc.; PowerChem Technology; and Geothermal Development Associates, among others.
Commenting on the GEA Expo, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), a longtime proponent of geothermal and other renewable energy sources, highlighted Nevada ‘s continued clean energy efforts which have resulted in in-state job growth: ” Nevada is a leader in clean energy innovation. By continuing our efforts, Nevada will be able to tap into its vast clean energy potential and utilize renewable sources of power like geothermal, wind, and solar to secure a clean energy future. Clean energy development has already created thousands of jobs in Nevada and continued investment will help to drive our economy forward. Clean energy innovators like those at the Expo will provide the solutions that Nevada and the rest of the country need to maintain its momentum as a leader in clean energy development.”
The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association comprised of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/
