-Third Annual GEA Honors-

Washington, D.C. (April 22, 2013) – Today the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announced a call for entries for GEA Honors 2013.

"After two successful years of honoring the best in the business, we are pleased to have the opportunity to again recognize the inspiring innovators and developers in the geothermal industry over the past year," said Geothermal Energy Association Executive Director Karl Gawell. "Honorees will exemplify the great accomplishments and potential for the geothermal energy industry in the United States."

Nominations are currently being accepted for the awards program. An application may be submitted for more than one award category. This year, awards will be given to GEA member companies in the following categories:

*Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new, innovative or pioneering technology to further geothermal development.

*Environmental Stewardship: Awarded to an individual or company that has fostered outstanding environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. This award will be presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI).

*Economic Development: Awarded to an individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the development of local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems.

Special Recognition: Nominations will also be accepted for special recognition of individuals and companies for outstanding achievement in the geothermal industry. These awards are open to GEA members, as well as non-member companies and individuals.

The GEA Honors program deadline for nominations is Friday, June 14. Finalists will be named in August. Winners will be announced on October 1 at the GEA National Geothermal Expo 2013 in Las Vegas. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit http://geo-energy.org/GEAHonors.aspx.

At last year's National Geothermal Summit in Sacramento, Calif., award winners included Enel Green Power North America (Technological Advancement) for its development of the first ever solar-geothermal hybrid power plant; Ram Power/Polaris Energia (Economic Development) for adding 10% of clean, sustainable, reliable and indigenous power to Nicaragua's current power portfolio; and Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Environmental Stewardship) for preserving the overall environmental integrity and the habitat of the sage grouse, a native bird to the Nevada area two geothermal plants were erected on.

About the Geothermal Energy Association:

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association comprised of U.S. companies that support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/. Check out GEA's YouTube Channel. Follow GEA on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook.