Electric-grade geothermal energy resources of the U.S.
Detailed Description
Infographic of Electric-grade geothermal energy resources of the U.S.
The USGS has assessed the Nation’s geothermal energy resources since the 1970s, updating assessments to include advancements in technology. An emerging resource is Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).
The area of each circle in this infographic represents total electric power, in Megawatts-electricity (MWe). The estimated number of homes this could power is based on average home energy use (U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), 2020).
2023 geothermal power production in the U.S.
1940 MWe ~1.6 million homes
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Potential from identified hydrothermal systems
9060 MWe ~7.5 million homes
USGS geothermal assessment, 2008
Fact Sheet 2008-3082
Potential from undiscovered hydrothermal systems
30,000 MWe ~25 million homes
USGS geothermal assessment, 2008
Fact Sheet 2008-3082
Potential from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) in the Great Basin
135,000 MWe ~112 million homes
USGS geothermal assessment, 2025
Fact Sheet 2025-3027
Potential from undiscovered Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) in the western U.S.
520,000 MWe ~433 million homes
USGS geothermal ssessment, 2008
Fact Sheet 2008-2082
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.