The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has announced the winners for the GEA Honors, which recognize companies and individuals that have made significant contributions during the past year to advancing technology, spurring economic  development and protecting the environment. The winners were selected in categories including Technological Advancement, Economic Development and Environmental Stewardship. Now in its third year, GEA also provides special recognition of companies and individuals who have made notable advances and achievements for geothermal energy.

“Even in a challenging environment, our GEA Honors winners represent the best in a growing industry. These geothermal leaders are trailblazers and should be praised for the headway they’re achieving for the entire sector,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.

Technological Advancement – Awarded for developing a new, innovative or pioneering technology to further geothermal development: U.S. Geothermal’s 22 MW Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Power Plant:

Economic Development – Awarded for making a substantial contribution to the development of local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems: GeothermEx.

Environmental Stewardship – Awarded for fostering outstanding environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. This award is presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) to  Dale Merrick, Canby Geothermal.

Special Recognition – The Special Recognition Award is presented to individuals or companies for their outstanding achievement in the geothermal industry. GEA wishes to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding work and support for geothermal energy during the past year:

• Katherine Young and her team at NREL for their work on the Geothermal Regulatory Roadmapping effort;
• Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center in Reno Nevada;
• Authors Magnus Gehringer and Victor Loksha of the World Bank for the ESMAP Geothermal Handbook; and
• Cornell Team Erin Riley Camp, Sean Hillson and Jeff Tester for their help on GEA’s analysis efforts, particularly the Geothermal Externalities Paper.

GEA also recognized companies that have worked to bring new geothermal power on-line in the United States this year:

• Ormat for the expected completion of the new Don A. Campbell (formerly named Wild Rose) geothermal power plant.
• ENEL Green Power North America and Ormat for completing construction of the new Cove Fort power plant in Utah.
• Surprise Valley Electric Cooperative for their 3MW power plant in Oregon, which is expected to be on-line in early 2014.
• Gradient Resources’ Patua Geothermal Project: