The Geothermal Energy Association has released a new report that shows a 20% increase since January of new projects starting in the U.S. 

The projects underway will power four million homes with 4,000 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power. The report lists efforts newly underway in 14 states, mostly in the Pacific Rim states but also, surprisingly, Florida. Of these projects, 45 will be in Nevada, 21 in California, 11 in Oregon, Idaho and Utah will have 6 each, 5 in Alaska, 2 each for Arizona and Hawaii, and Washington, Colorado, Wyoming and Florida will each have one project. With the new additions, total U.S. geothermal power will approach 7,000 MW.

Volcanic areas like Iceland are typically those that best tap geothermal's potential. Worldwide, Iceland and Tibet currently draw the highest percentage of their electricity from geothermal sources -- 25% and 30% respectively. Geothermal energy today meets the total electricity needs of some 60 million people across the globe -- roughly the population of the United Kingdom.

Google is investing $11 million in geothermal power, and also has previously invested in electric vehicles powered by lithium, a side product of geothermal drilling.

Via Renewable Energy World and the Geothermal Energy Association

Photo by Phil Mercer