The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announced today the finalists for the GEA Honors, which recognize companies and individuals that have made significant contributions during the past year to advancing technology, spurring economic development or protecting the environment. The awards program, which is in its second year, also gives special recognition to companies and individuals who have otherwise made notable advancements and achievements for geothermal energy.

Winners will be announced at a special awards dinner at the second annual GEA National Geothermal Summit Awards Dinner in Sacramento, Calif. on August 7.

"The companies and individuals that were nominated and passed screening demonstrate the significant progress being made in the U.S. geothermal industry," said Karl Gawell, GEA's executive director. "We are proud to recognize those companies and individuals that are leading the way towards a successful future for expanded geothermal energy production. It is through the hard work and diligence of these honorees that geothermal continues to meet the increasing energy needs of our country and provide a clean alternative to coal and other non-renewable energy sources."

GEA has named the finalists for GEA Honors in the following categories: Technological Advancement, Economic Development and Environmental Stewardship. In these three categories a final "winner" will be announced in August. Also announced were Special Recognition awards open to both GEA members and non-member companies making significant contributions to the geothermal industry.

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

Finalists:

• Baker Hughes: The company is working on multimillion-dollar-funded geothermal research and development projects, including the Geothermal Ultrasonic Fracture Imager. The technologies being developed are designed to improve geothermal industry efficiencies and reduce environmental impact.
• ElectraTherm: ElectraTherm's fuel-free, emission-free Green Machine converts low temperature waste heat into power and allows for the generation of electricity from low to mid-temperature hot water.
• Enel Green Power North America: The Stillwater Solar-Geothermal Hybrid Project may help to allow projects that would otherwise have been unfeasible as stand-alone geothermal or solar projects to be more economically and technologically viable.
• EnergySource: The Hudson Ranch I Plant is the first new geothermal plant constructed in the Salton Sea in more than 20 years.
• TAS Energy: The company's San Emidio and Dixie Valley power plants demonstrate unique technologies and the modular designs of the plants allow for increased output without drilling new wells.

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.

Finalists:

• GeothermEX: The company's work is responsible for tens of thousands of jobs and has enabled more than $10 billion in project financing.
• Ram Power/Polaris Energia: The knowledge transfer from the San Jacinto Tizate Geothermal Project in Leon, Nicaragua project will serve to boost Nicaragua's class of technicians, and the construction, operation and maintenance of the plant will provide employment to the local area.

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).

Finalists:

• Geothermal Development Associates: The Eburru Wellhead Geothermal Power Plant in Kenya is now producing up to 2.5 MW. Geothermal energy is a viable resource alternative for Kenya, bringing economic benefits and reliable energy access to the region while preserving the environment.
• Ormat Technologies, Inc.: While building the Tuscarora and McGinness Hills facilities, Ormat took several precautions to preserve the natural habitat of a native bird to the area.
• SNC-Lavalin: The company successfully completed over 60,000 MW of thermal power projects while maintaining company-wide commitment to sustainability and is building an exemplary environmental record for major projects on the Te Mihi geothermal power project in New Zealand.

The second annual GEA National Geothermal Summit will bring policy leaders, utilities and industry professionals to Sacramento, Calif. on August 7-8 to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the geothermal industry. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout plenary sessions and roundtable discussions. The GEA Honors awards dinner will kick-off the summit on August 7.

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