First geothermal power plant of Lardarello, Italy in 1904. What is geothermal energy and
how did it come to be?If you want to know more about geothermal energy and geothermal heat, then you need to take a look backwards to the history of geothermal. Here is an overview of the history of geothermal energy in the United States to help you understand where it came from and how it works.
The first geothermal power plant was built in Lardarello, Italy in 1904 but scientific and archaeological evidence shows that the first human use of geothermal energy in North American was over 10,000 years ago. When the Paleo-Indians settled at the hot springs they found them to be a source of cleansing and healing. From those early beginnings, technology advanced along with our understanding of geothermal heat and energy.
The 1800'sNew developments arose as European settlers moved west across North America. They wanted to move toward the hot springs and in 1807, John Colter was the first Eurropean to visit the Yellowstone area. That same year, other settlers found Hot Springs, Arkansas. Later, in 1830, this would become the first commercial use of geothermal energy on record when Asa Thompson charged $1 for the used of spring-fed baths in a wooden tub. Today, geothermal hot tubs are still very popular.
1852The Geysers Resort Hotel and spa was created and many famous guests visited such as Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt and more. More resorts like these began to pop up nearby hot springs and many became more extravagant as well. Beginning around 1864, homes and dwellings were built around geothermal hot springs. By 1892, people were using geothermal heat as a district heating system and pumping hot springs water into town buildings. The first was in Boise, Idaho and in 1900 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, they did the same.
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1900
By the 1900's, new things would happen with geothermal energy. In 1922, the United States' first geothermal power plant goes into operation. That same year, the Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas was built. By 1940, the first residential geothermal heating in Nevada begins in the Moana area in Reno. By 1960, there was a geothermal power plant at The Geysers as well. Later, the first large scale geothermal electricity generating plant was in operation by Pacific Gas and Electric. This would go on to operate successfully for over 30 years.
1970
The Geothermal Resources Council was formed to help encourage the development of geothermal resources all over the world. In 1972, the Geothermal Energy Association was formed to develop geothermal resources worldwide. Throughout the 70s and 80s, these foundations continued to grow and in '77 the DOE (Department of Energy) was also formed. The 80's and 90's would bring more growth and development in the areas of geothermal energy and people learned more cool facts about geothermal energy and heating. Throughout the 90s, more plants were built and in 2000, the DOE intitiates the GeoPowering the West program designed to help encourage the use of geothermal resources throughout the western United States.
2007
Now there are many advanced geothermal systems available to help you save on energy use. The more you know the more you can grow. Geothermal energy is an important step toward energy efficiency, reducing global warming and using geoexchange. If you want to learn how a Geothermal system can help reduce your energy bills and keep you comfortable, please contact Precision Air of Tennessee, Inc. today!
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Geothermal History 
