US has added 147.05MW of gross geothermal power capacity in 2012, 5% more than in 2011, according to the data released by Geothermal Energy Association (GEA).

The agency noted that the uptick in development is due in part to pioneering developments in geothermal technology.

California topped the list of US states for installed geothermal capacity, as it has over 2,700MW. The state is featuring enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology.

GEA executive director Karl Gawell stated, Geothermal power is expanding across the Western half of the country, and new scientific and technological advancements offering the opportunity to produce geothermal power from Hawaii and Alaska to Texas and the Gulf States, with the ultimate potential being generating electrical power in nearly every state."

The association noted that Nevada, which is behind California in terms of installed geothermal capacity, now has over 500MW.

Enel Green Power has commissioned its Stillwater Geothermal Power Plant last year, becoming the nation’s first ever hybrid solar-geothermal project.