Environmental Brownbag Jan 17th, Seattle
Please join us for an introductory discussion and Q&A session on the environmental and energy aspects of geothermal power in Washington state. It will be held on January 17th at the NW Energy Coalition office.
What: Lunch talk on geothermal energy potential for WA state
Who: Geothermal engineer Susan Petty & Lawrence Molloy will host this presentation and Q&A session
When: Thursday, January 17th, Noon to 1:30pm
Where: NW Energy Coalition Office - 811 1st Ave, Suite 305 Seattle
Who should attend? Individuals interested in renewable energy, utility staff, decision makers, climate advocates
BACKGROUND
Geothermal energy shows excellent promise as a reliable, low-carbon, and cost effective source of power. It is already developed in over a dozen countries and the United States is the leader with 3,000 MW of developed power. While Washington state and Washingtonians are committed to renewable energy, we have yet to get a clear understanding of the potential for geothermal energy. Washington is considered a 2nd tier state (compared to the hot zone of Nevada, California, Oregon and Idaho) with the potential for up to 600 MW statewide with current geothermal technology. Washington state has strong potential, yet nothing has been sited, permitted or developed. Today, hydroelectric power provides 70% of Washington’s electricity, and coal, nuclear and natural gas account for most of the remainder.Geothermal energy, "the forgotten renewable," is beginning to receive more attention as other forms of renewable energy are receiving broad public and technical consideration. A recent MIT/Dept. of Energy study shows that it may be far more promising than once thought. Theoretically capable of providing abundant low-carbon energy, the geothermal resource in Washington State is poorly understood. Like any natural resource, harvesting it has environmental impacts. This brownbag will focus not only on the energy and carbon aspects, but also related environmental issues such as water and land impacts.
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