Across the globe, geothermal power has emerged as a significant and sustainable power source. This post explores the top geothermal energy facilities worldwide, shedding light on their contributions to global energy solutions.
10. Indonesia’s Darajat Geothermal Facility
Situated in the Garut’s Pasirwangi District, the Darajat Geothermal Facility ranks as the world’s tenth most prolific. With its three units inaugurated between 1994 and 2007, the facility boasts a 259MW capacity, outstripping the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station at Niagara Falls by 50% in power generation. Indonesia’s vibrant volcanic landscape has made it a hotspot for geothermal development, a trend that’s gaining momentum across the nation.
9. West Java’s Wayang Windu Geothermal Plant
In West Java, Indonesia, stands the ninth largest geothermal power generator, the Wayang Windu Plant, managed by a Star Energy subsidiary. The facility, a collaborative effort involving Aecom, Sumitomo Corporation, and Fuji Electric, commands an impressive 227 MW capacity and occupies an expanse greater than that of the Darajat facility, covering 40 square kilometres of geothermal territory.
8. The Malitbog Geothermal Station in the Philippines
Claiming the eighth spot, the Malitbog Geothermal Station in the Philippines delivers 232.5MW of power, making it a key energy source for Luzon Island. Owned by the Energy Development Corporation, this facility started operations in 1996 and is celebrated as the largest geothermal installation under a single roof worldwide, set in a locale many would deem idyllic.
7. The Tiwi Geothermal Complex, Philippines
Contributing over a quarter of the Philippines’ electricity, the Tiwi Geothermal Complex in Albay province is the seventh largest globally. Operational since 1979, it consists of six units spread across three plants, with a total capacity of 289 MW, marking it as one of the pioneering geothermal power ventures on the planet.
6. Iceland’s Hellisheidi Power Station
Nestled atop the Hengill volcano, the Hellisheidi Plant is Iceland’s most extensive geothermal facility and the sixth largest worldwide. It produces 400MW of thermal energy and 303MW of electrical energy, situated near the tectonic boundary of the North American and European plates. Iceland’s landscape is dotted with hot springs, supporting both large-scale and private geothermal energy generation.
5. Salton Sea Geothermal Plants by CalEnergy Generation, USA
In Southern California, the Salton Sea geothermal site, comprising ten plants, stands as the fifth largest producer with a combined output of 340MW. This cluster is pivotal in tapping the United States’ highest geothermal potential, playing a crucial role in combating soil erosion and salinity issues in the area.
4. The Philippines’ Makban Geothermal Power Complex
With a 458 MW capacity, the Makban Complex occupies the fourth rank. Spanning Laguna and Batangas provinces, this complex is instrumental in the Philippines’ geothermal sector, which is on the brink of achieving complete sustainability with a slight increase in production.
3. Mexico’s Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station
The Cerro Prieto facility, located in Northern Mexico, is the third largest, with a 720 MW capacity. Unique in its geology, this plant is built on a spreading fault line, a feature typically found in oceanic contexts, and exemplifies Mexico’s commitment to geothermal energy, being managed by the Federal Electricity Commission.
2. Italy’s Larderello Geothermal Complex
Second place goes to the Larderello Geothermal Complex in Italy, with a staggering 34 plants and a net capacity of 769 MW. Established in 1913, it’s the oldest geothermal power source, contributing significantly to both global geothermal output and the regional power supply.
1. The Geysers Geothermal Complex in The USA
Leading the pack, The Geysers, located north of San Francisco, California, encompasses 18 power stations with a total capacity of 900MW. This vast complex covers 45 square miles and is capable of powering nearly a million homes, showcasing the immense potential of geothermal energy.
Your home can harness geothermal power, too.
The potential for geothermal energy extends beyond industrial-scale plants to individual homes. Contact us today to explore geothermal heating and cooling systems. Find out how you can have both financial savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
