Winner Announced for Geothermal Environmental Stewardship Award

For Immediate Release: August 16, 2011
For more information contact EESI at (202) 662-1884 or communications [at] eesi.org

Reno, NV – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) presented EnergySource LLC with the Environmental Stewardship Award, one of the inaugural GEA Honors to recognize individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the sustainable development of the geothermal industry.

“EnergySource brings domestic, renewable geothermal energy to the grid while also reducing harmful emissions and protecting our natural resources,” said Carol Werner, EESI Executive Director. “We are pleased to recognize their leadership in the industry.”

EnergySource LLC received the award for its Hudson Ranch 1 project in Imperial Valley, CA. The Hudson Ranch 1 power plant is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 30 percent compared to an average geothermal plant and set a new standard in minimized water use. The company has also been actively engaged in the protection of biological resources. Where burrowing owls have been impacted by the construction of Hudson Ranch 1, EnergySource has used proven passive relocation techniques and is monitoring the owls until nearby construction ends.

Other nominees for the Environmental Stewardship Award were NV Energy and Northern California Power Agency. GEA also presented awards for Technological Advancement, Economic Development, and a Special Recognition Honor. Winners and nominees were honored at an exclusive awards dinner at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, held in conjunction with the organization’s first ever GEA National Geothermal Summit .

“It is our pleasure to highlight the efforts of the individuals and companies that are driving growth and innovation in geothermal power,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “The progress achieved by this year’s honorees has been essential in continuing the expansion of the industry.”

The geothermal industry, which harnesses heat from the earth to produce electricity or to heat and cool buildings, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2009, total installed capacity of geothermal power reached over 3,000 megawatts (MW), with 7,000 MW more in development.

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The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advances innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.

The Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed 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.