WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With demand for clean electricity on the rise, international attention has turned to geothermal energy with a highlight being the declaration of 38 countries forming the Global Geothermal Alliance at the Paris Climate Conference. Building on this momentum, the Geothermal Energy Association’s (GEA) U.S. and International Geothermal Showcase this March will highlight to Washington, DC decision makers how leading geothermal nations are unlocking their geothermal potential.

So far, in addition to participants from across the U.S., representatives from 20 countries have signed up for what is to be a prime geothermal gathering of 2016 — the U.K., Burundi, Indonesia, Italy, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Mexico, Qatar, Nairobi, Japan, Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

“This event attracts a wide range of international participants and provides an excellent platform to highlight US technology and expertise in the geothermal energy space,” said Ann Robertson-Tait of GeothermEx, Inc.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, our country has a plentiful resource however that is largely untapped – volcanic geothermal energy. Geothermal power uses underground steam from volcanoes. In Costa Rica, that energy can be harnessed by drawing hot water and steam from within the Earth’s crust, and then cooling it to move power turbines. An advantage of geothermal power is that it is continuously generated, and not dependent on weather conditions.

Guanacaste’s North Volcanic Mountain Ridge has been essential for geothermal power generation, tapping the Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes. The Miravalles Geothermal Field (opened in 1994) produces almost 14% of the National Electrical System’s (SEN) capacity. The Pailas Geothermal Power Plant opened in July 2011 just outside the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Former President Laura Chinchilla signed an agreement with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a $560 million loan to build three more geothermal power plants near the famous Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, which is set to become the region that contributes more geothermal energy production in Costa Rica.

The Showcase agenda has just been published, and is available at: http://geo-energy.org/2016_International_Geothermal_Showcase.aspx. It displays a range of top level speakers addressing key topics, from financial opportunities to an overview of geothermal power’s status in the U.S. and abroad. Other major topics include the future of the geothermal industry, cutting-edge technologies, and the components necessary to nurture global geothermal industry growth.

The GEA U.S. and International Geothermal Showcase will be this year’s premier event to network, collaborate, and discuss the hottest topics in geothermal energy with high level representatives from the U.S. and abroad. Speakers include leading company executives, government policy makers, market analysts, and public and private financial institutions.

“The GEA International Showcase is one of our most important geothermal industry events. The event provides an opportunity to interact with international clients, government officials and the financial community,” said Mike Long of POWER Engineers, Inc.

The 2016 U.S. and International Geothermal Showcase is presented with support from leading companies and organizations. Co-sponsors include Power Engineers, Dewhurst Group and the Geothermal Resource Group. Supporting organizations include the Geothermal Resource Council, American Council on Renewable Energy, American Geosciences Institute, US-ASEAN Business Council, US Trade and Development Agency, US Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office, United States Energy Association, The World Bank, US Department of State, Inter-American Development Bank, US Agency for International Development, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

At the event, GEA will release its highly-anticipated, widely referenced “2016 Annual US and International Geothermal Power Production Report.” The Showcase program will highlight new geothermal projects, market trends, and government policies driving growth in the US and international markets. The last GEA International Showcase, held in 2014, involved over 250 industry leaders, government officials, and other power sector representatives from the U.S. and 26 countries spanning the globe.

For more information, confirmed speakers to date, and a tentative agenda, visit http://geo-energy.org/2016_International_Geothermal_Showcase.aspx. For questions regarding the 2016 Showcase or opportunities for sponsorships, please contact Rani Chatrath at [email protected]. To request press credentials, please contact Allie Nelson at [email protected].

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. For more information, please visit www.geo-energy.org. Subscribe to GEA’s newsletter here. Follow GEA on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook.