About CGEC

MISSION

The California Geothermal Energy Collaborative (CGEC), funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC), has a mission to facilitate geothermal development in California.

The importance of geothermal energy has long been recognized by the California Energy Commission which supports research, planning, development, demonstration and mitigation of geothermal energy through its Geothermal (GRDA) and Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Programs

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The overall goal of the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative is to expand the sustainable use of geothermal resources to meet California’s energy needs. The CGEC plans to coordinate activities with the geothermal industry, local, state and federal agencies, and other entities to focus statewide geothermal activities with the following objectives:

  1. Identify how geothermal energy and the California geothermal industry can best play an active role in California’s ongoing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) process;
  2. Expand California’s confirmed geothermal resource base;
  3. Identify and communicate geothermal related transmission issues and opportunities;
  4. Coordinate with California Native American tribes as geothermal stakeholders;
  5. Promote utilization of geothermal energy in California by engaging in outreach activities.

In order to meet these goals, CGEC held an initial 2004 Summit at the CEC to gather input from interested stakeholders to determine the future direction of the organization. During 2005, the CGEC Executive Board brought on board an Administrative Manager, selected Steering Committee members and created five subcommittees focused in the areas of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), Geothermal Resources, Transmission Issues, California Tribal Groups and Outreach & Education.

The Collaborative contributes to the California Energy Commission’s PIER program objective of maximizing "market connection" for project research results by actively interacting with the geothermal industry and other interesting parties. It also contributes to the GRDA program goals of promoting the planning, development and mitigation of geothermal energy.

Executive Board