Also, a vital measure of national security is gained when we control our own energy supplies. The U.S. industrial base also benefits from developing and commercializing geothermal power technologies around the world. Nearly half of the developing countries have geothermal resources, creating attractive export options for geothermal technologies and expertise. A recent inventory identified 271 communities located within 5 miles of a geothermal resource. These low-maintenance systems can remain operable for 30 years or more.
Some systems can also produce hot water at no cost in summer and at small cost in winter.
Nationwide, more than 400,000 heat pumps are in operation in homes, schools, and businesses. Industry expects to install 40,000 systems per year in the next few years. Electricity produced by geothermal power plants is becoming cost-competitive with other forms of energy. The cost of geothermal electricity currently ranges from about 4 to 8 cents per kilowatt-hour. The geothermal industry and the U.S. Department of Energy are working to achieve 3 cents per kilowatt-hour.