Registration is now open for the June 26-27 event at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2013) – The Geothermal Energy Association and Gold Level Sponsor, Ormat, will host the third annual National Geothermal Summit (#GEASummit2013), in alliance with the Geothermal Resources Council, UC Davis' California Geothermal Energy Collaborative, City of Reno, Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, Nevada Geothermal Council, and Western Area Power Administration, at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., June 26-27. The event will bring together industry leaders, government officials, and other power sector representatives from the United States and abroad for critical discussions on what is needed to move geothermal forward.

"The GEA National Geothermal Summit will bring policy makers and industry professionals together to highlight the progress that geothermal energy has made, examine areas where problems exist, discuss relevant policy issues and learn from the different viewpoints of the leaders presenting at this Summit," said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. "There is so much potential for geothermal energy to become a major source of power. By facilitating dialogue about advances in technology, the effectiveness of public policies and more, we hope to enrich the potential for geothermal expansion."

The event will cover the state of geothermal energy, new technologies, valuing geothermal for PPAs, and the future outlook for the geothermal industry. The program will encourage interaction and discussion about government policies, projects in development, market potential, and opportunities for U.S. companies.

"Nevada is a leader in geothermal energy, and I am pleased that the Geothermal Energy Association will be holding this important event in Reno," said Nevada Senator Harry Reid. "Nevada's economy and our future is strengthened when we take advantage of our abundant clean energy resources. I hope leaders in the geothermal and utility sectors will work together to find new and innovative ways to bring these resources to market, and I will continue to work to help ensure that Nevada remains the geothermal capital of the nation."

Confirmed speakers to date include Ashley Carrigan, State Director, Senator Heller's Office; Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy and Client Services, California ISO; Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman, FERC; as well as representatives from Washington State Geothermal Working Group, Oregon Department of Energy, Utah Geological Survey, California Energy Commission, NV Energy, Bureau of Land Management, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Imperial Irrigation District, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and more.

Geothermal power presently supplies the world with approximately 11,800 MW of firm yet flexible electricity in 27 countries, on six continents, but the potential to use geothermal resources is even greater. With the technology available today and under development for the future, geothermal resources could supply more than 300,000 MW of power, while producing far fewer carbon emissions than from legacy sources.

GEA recently released an updated Air Emissions Comparison and Externality Analysis showing geothermal energy provides significant benefits to public health and the environment as one of the least-polluting and most environmentally friendly forms of energy. The analysis found binary geothermal plants produce virtually no greenhouse gases (GHG) and dry steam and flash geothermal plants put out only trace amounts of emissions. GEA estimates geothermal provides approximately $88 million in externality benefits per year to California and $29 million to Nevadans by avoiding fossil fuel emissions.

To register for the National Geothermal Summit, or for more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/nationalgeothermalsummit/Main.aspx. Visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/138760722978678/. Join the conversation on Twitter with #GEASummit2013.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kathy Kent, 202 454 5263, Kathy@geo-energy.org; to request press credentials, please contact Shawna Seldon, The Rosen Group, 917 971 7852 or Shawna@rosengrouppr.com.

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.