Geothermal 1 is a 110 MW geothermal power plant located in California, United States, operated by Northern California Power Agency since its commissioning in 1983. The facility generates electricity from geothermal sources, contributing to the state's renewable energy portfolio. It ranks as the 3rd largest geothermal plant in the United States. With a capacity of 110 MW, it represents 2.83% of the total geothermal capacity of 3,889 MW in the country. The United States has 65 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 3,889 MW. In comparison to the largest geothermal plant, Geysers Unit 5-20 at 1,163 MW, Geothermal 1 is roughly 9.5% the size. Geothermal energy is an important part of California's renewable energy strategy, supplying around 5% of the state's electricity needs. The region's geological conditions are ideal for geothermal energy extraction, allowing for significant development. Geothermal 1 is located approximately 80 miles north of San Francisco in the Sonoma County area.
43 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileGeothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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