It was the first source of geothermal power in the country and is now the largest single source of geothermal power in the world. However, hot water resources are much more common than steam. Hot water plants are now the major source of geothermal power in both the United States and the world. In the United States, hot water plants are operating in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Benefits Geothermal electricity is clean, reliable, and cost effective.
Geothermal resources represent an abundant, secure source of energy.
Today's hydrothermal power plants with modern emissions controls have minimal impact on the environment. The plants release little or no carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas suspected of contributing to global warming. Geothermal power plants, such as this one in the Imperial Valley near Brawley, California, emit little or no carbon dioxide. Geothermal power plants are very reliable when compared to conventional power plants. In addition, the capacity factor of geothermal power plants is highest among all types of power plants.