Geothermal 2 is a 110 MW geothermal power plant located in California, United States, operated by Northern California Power Agency since its commissioning in 1986. The facility utilizes geothermal energy to produce electricity, contributing to the state's geothermal power generation capacity. It is the 3rd largest geothermal plant in the United States. With 110 MW, it represents 2.83% of the country's total geothermal capacity of 3,889 MW. The United States has 65 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 3,889 MW. Compared to the largest geothermal plant, Geysers Unit 5-20 at 1,163 MW, Geothermal 2 is approximately 9.5% the size. Geothermal energy is a significant renewable resource in California, providing about 5% of the state's electricity. The state's unique geology allows for extensive geothermal development, making it a leader in this energy sector. Geothermal 2 is located approximately 80 miles north of San Francisco in the Sonoma County region.
40 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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