The top 10 biggest geothermal

power plants in the world

The Geysers Geothermal Complex, California, United States of America

The Geysers Geothermal Complex located about 121km north of San Francisco, California, is
comprised of 18 power plants making it the biggest geothermal installation in the world. The
complex has an installed capacity of 1,517MW and active production capacity of 900MW.
Calpine owns 15 power plants in the complex, with a combined net generating capacity of about
725MW, while two power plants are jointly owned by Northern California Power Agency and Silicon
Valley Power, plus US Renewables Group, which owns the Bottle Rock Power plant. Ram Power is
constructing a new 26MW geothermal power plant at the complex.
The complex covers an area of approximately 78km. Production from the geothermal field
commenced in 1960 and reached its peak in the 1980s. The turbine suppliers for the power plants in
the complex include Toshiba and Mitsubishi Steam.
Larderello Geothermal Complex, Italy

Larderello Geothermal Complex, comprising of 34 plants with a total net capacity of 769MW, is the
second biggest geothermal power plant in the world. The power produced from the geothermal
field, located in Tuscany, Central Italy, accounts for ten percent of all geothermal energy produced
worldwide and caters for 26.5% of regional power needs.
Enel Green Power owns the power plants at the complex serving approximately two million families,
8,700 residential and business customers and 25 hectares of greenhouses. Reservoir depths at the
geothermal field range from 700m to 4,000m below the surface. The first plant at the geothermal
field was commissioned a century ago, in 1913, making it the first of its kind in the world.
The first Larderello power plant had a generating capacity of 250kW comprising of a turbine
designed and built by Tosi Electromechanical Company. The geothermal plants at the field were
rebuilt after they were destroyed during World War II.
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station, Mexico

At 720MW, Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station in south Mexicali, Baja California in north
Mexico, is the second third geothermal plant in the world.
The power plant, like all other geothermal fields in Mexico, is owned and operated by the Comisin
Federal de Electricidad (CFE). The power station features four plants, comprising of 13 units. The first
plant was commissioned in 1973, while the fourth plant was commissioned in 2000.
The turbines at the complex include four 110MW condensing type, four 110MW double-flash type,
four single-flash of 37.5MW each, four single-flash of 25MW each and one 30MW single-flash. They
were supplied by Toshiba and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. A fifth plant, which will comprise of two
50MW turbines, is currently under construction.
Makban Geothermal Complex, Philippines

Makban Geothermal Power Complex, also known as Makiling-Banahaw Power Plants, is located in
the municipalities of Bay and Calauan in the Laguna province and Santo Tomas, in the Batangas
province. It is the fourth biggest geothermal power facility in the world, with an output capacity of
458MW.
The geothermal power complex is owned by AP Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz
Power. The complex consists of six power plants comprising of 10 units, including a binary plant with
five 3MW units and one 0.73MW unit.
The complex, covering an area of 700ha, commenced operations in 1979. Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries was one of the turbine suppliers for the plants at the complex.
CalEnergy Generation's Salton Sea Geothermal Plants, United States

CalEnergy Generation's Salton Sea Geothermal Plants include a cluster of 10 generating geothermal
plants in Calipatria, near the Salton Sea in Southern California's Imperial Valley. With a combined
generating capacity of 340MW, it is the fifth largest geothermal facility in the world.
CalEnergy Generation, the operator of the field, has a 50% interest in the facilities, while the
remaining 50% is held by MidAmerican Geothermal. The generated power is supplied to Southern
California Edison Company.
Unit 1 with an output capacity of 10MW was the first to come online in 1982. It was built by a joint
venture comprising of Union Oil Company and Southern California Edison. The 10th field came
online in 2000. CalEnergy Generation is currently developing new projects in the area, including the
Black Rock Project, which will consist of three new 50MW geothermal plants.
Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, Iceland

Hellisheidi geothermal power plant is a flash steam, combined heat and power plant (CHP) located
at Mount Hengill, approximately 20km east of the capital city of Reykjavik. The plant has a
production capacity of 303MW of electric energy and 400MW of thermal energy.
The sixth largest geothermal power plant is owned by Orkuveita Reykjavikur. It was constructed by
Mannvit Engineering and Verks Engineering. Power generated from the plant is supplied primarily to
the nearby aluminum refineries.
The power plant was commissioned in five phases from 2006-2011. It covers an area of
approximately 13,000m. Six high pressure (HP) turbines for the plant were supplied by Mitsubishi,
while a low pressure (LP) turbine was supplied by Toshiba.
Tiwi Geothermal Complex, Philippines

Tiwi Geothermal Complex is located at Tiwi in the province of Albay, about 300km south-east of
Manila. The 289MW (net) complex is the seventh biggest geothermal facility in the world.
The Tiwi complex is owned by Aboitiz Power's subsidiary AP Renewables. It comprises of three
power plants featuring two units each. Drilling works at the geothermal field commenced in 1972
and the power plant became operational in 1979.
The project was developed by National Power Corporation and Philippine Geothermal. Mitsui and
F.F. Cruz were the construction contractors. The power plants use Toshiba generator units.
Malitbog Geothermal Power Station, Philippines

The 232.5MW Malitbog Geothermal Power Station, located approximately 25km north of Ormoc
City in Leyte Island, is the eighth biggest geothermal power plant in the world.
The plant was earlier owned by Visayas Geothermal Power Company (VGPC), which later transferred
the ownership rights to Philippine National Oil-Energy Development Company (PNOC). The plant is
currently owned by Energy Development Corporation. Power from the field is supplied to the Luzon
Island.
The Malitbog geothermal power plant construction commenced in 1993 and was completed in 1996.
It was built by Sumitomo Corporation and Fuji Electric. The plant features three 77.5MW single-
cylinder double flow condensing turbines supplied by Fiji Electric.
Wayang Windu Geothermal Power Plant, Indonesia

Wayang Windu Geothermal Power Plant is located in Pangalengan, approximately 40km south of
Bandung City in the province of West Java. The geothermal plant, with an output capacity of
227MW, is the ninth biggest in the world.
Magma Nusantara Limited (MNL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Energy, operates the field. The
engineering services for the first two units were provided by Aecom. Major contractors involved in
the plant's construction included Sumitomo Corporation, Fuji Electric and Rekayasa Industri.
The first unit of the power plant started operation in 2000. It is comprised of an 110MW turbine
supplied by Fuji Electric. The second unit, featuring a 117MW turbine, was commissioned in 2009.
The third unit, with a generation capacity of 127MW, is expected to be commissioned in mid-2014.
Darajat Power Station, Indonesia

Darajat Power Station is located at Garut in Pasirwangi District, West Java. It is the tenth biggest
geothermal plant in the world, with an installed capacity of 259MW. It is managed by Darajat GPP
Amoseas Indonesia, a subsidiary of Chevron Texaco.
The power station comprises of three plants serving the provinces of Java and Bali. The plants were
commissioned respectively in 1994, 2000 and 2007. Plants II and III share common facilities,
including the steam gathering system.
The latest commissioned plant was built by Thiess Contractors Indonesia in collaboration with
Kanematsu Corporation. It features a turbine supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The
turbine for the second plant was also supplied by MHI. Hyundai Engineering supplied the
equipments for the first two plants.




























Top 10 Most Interesting Geothermal
Areas in the World


Addicted to that beginning of time feeling? Cant get enough of sulphurs rotten-egg smell? What
follows is a list of areas around the world where you can still experience primordial earth goo by
morning and be relaxing in a hot spring the same day.
10. El Tatio, Chili
The Tatio Geysers are found on the Andes Mountains. Setting them apart from the rest of the list is
that they are at the highest altitude out of all the hotspots mentioned (although the Puchuldiza
Geyser Field, also in Chile, is even higher up). At 4,200 meters up, El Tatio sports an impressive
display of eighty plus geysers, making it the third largest geyser field in the world. Having numerous
geysers in a relatively tight area means that none of them erupt with an excessive amount of force.
Instead, they shoot only a handful of meters high, tops. The field is hazardous, though, since thin
layers of dried crust can conceal boiling mud. A guide is highly recommended. Like many of the
geothermal sites in the world, El Tatio has been a point of contention between those who would
harness it for power and those who rely on the field for its touristic value.

9. The Great Rift, Kenya
Africa is a continent blessed with a plethora of geographical distinctions. There are many geothermal
spots throughout, but The Great Rift in Kenya is one of the most impressive. This area provides
utilitarian and pleasurable uses. It provides geothermal energy for the country and relaxation for
travelers frequenting the resorts in the area. The Great Rift Valley Lodge is an ideal location for
golfers to play a few rounds then explore the nearby bush and geothermal features via safari. If you
are looking for other places to visit, the rift itself is a part of the East African Rift, which runs up the
east coast of Africa. It is in Kenya, though, that perhaps The Great Rift exhibits its largest presence in
everyday life.

8. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is the site where the first ever geothermal power plant was built (in Devils Valley). Early
Romans used geothermal heated water for many uses including the warming of their houses and for
public baths. Modern Italians have made similar use of this resource, running geothermal water to
places such as hotels and medical centers. However, there remain many unaltered spots available to
locals and informed travelers, such the Saturnia Springs. Rolling green hills are scattered in the area
that once fed Rome and continues to grow food for Italians today. With ancient places such as
Florence and Pisa to visit, Tuscany is a great place for history buffs to explore while taking time out
to soak away their travel aches.
7. Beppu, Japan
Beppu is the second listing from Japan. What makes it distinct from the others on this list is that it is
a thriving metropolis. Beppu is a city that encompasses eight (yes, eight) different zones of hot
springs. Beppus city streets offer little clue as to the geothermal underground, but the mix of
urbanity and nature makes for some special architectural designs. Numerous onsen steam bath and
spas dot the city scape. From straw huts on the outskirts to modern buildings with a traditional
twist, these hot springs are housed in many distinct structures. In Beppu, travelers get a mix of true
Japanese culture (both urban and traditional) with geothermal curiosities and relaxation.

6. Camiguin Island, Philippines
The Philippines itself is probably small enough to warrant its own geothermic region, and it is a
country that is surprisingly riddled with geothermal hot springs. However, there is one particular
island off its coast that offers hot spring relaxation in an unspoiled setting. All it takes is a flight from
the Manila Airport and you can be landing on the island of Camiguin. This jungle island paradise has
a vast array of places for pleasure soakers to seek relaxation. The Tangub Hot Spring is a little off
shore and a great place to view sea-life in the comfort of warmed waters. Other hot springs mixing
with waterfalls makes for adventurous treks while world class resorts provide the comforts of
civilization. The island is equally renowned for its cold springs that make for a cool alternative to the
tropic atmosphere.

5. Geyser Valley, Kamchatka
Russias entry into the geothermal arena comes in the form of the straight-forwardly named Geyser
Valley on the North Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. This geothermal playground is perfect for geo-
philes around the world. The high concentrate of rifts, hot springs and geysers make it an ideal
place to explore if not for one reason: it is the most inaccessible place on our list! In fact, as a
traveler you would be hard pressed to find any other way of reaching it outside of helicopter flight.
That being said, if you are wealthy enough and truly want a unique experience then Geyser Valley
should be on the top of your list. Just watch out for the bears.

4. Jshinetsu-kgen (Joshinetsu) National Park, Japan
Japans Jshinetsu-kgen National Park easily ranks high on our list for one famous reason: the
monkeys! This geothermal treasure of Japan houses the Joshinetsu Monkey Park. Here, tucked away
in this mountainous region, you can see Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) lazing around in hot
springs (or onsen as the Japanese call them). Look on jealously as these monkeys pick through each
others fur in search of juicy treats or just hang with their arms over the edge of the pool. The
monkeys sit in the hot springs by day and retreat into the nearby forest at night. The Japanese
macaque is the northernmost living monkey in the world. The area itself is interesting to experience
being a mix of water in many forms whether running from a river, bubbling and boiling from the
earth, or simply frozen.


3. Haukadalur, Iceland
Poetically called the land of ice and fire, Icelands elemental identity lives up to its billing. There
are three Haukadalur (translates as Hawkdale) valleys, one of which is part of the Golden Circle, an
accessible tourist route that also includes the awe-inspiring waterfall, Gullfoss. Featured in this
Haukadalur are two famous geysers: Strokker and Geysir (which inspired the label geyser itself).
Strokker tends to erupt routinely and often, always within 10 minutes of the last. Geysir takes a
much longer time to build up, erupting only 4-5 times a day. Due in part to the longer period of time
in between eruptions, Geysirs boiling emissions top out at 70 meters, where Old Faithfuls limit is
around 50 meters.

2. North Island, New Zealand (Rotorua, Taupo)
New Zealands North Island rivals USAs Yellowstone National Park in many ways. It is where most
New Zealanders choose to live, and they are privy to a geothermal wonderland. The hotspot of it all
is in Rotorua, a city close to the center of the island that shares its name with the North Islands
second largest lake. The city sits along the shore of Lake Rotorua and is littered with geothermal
motels. Most of the places to spend the night seem to have their own naturally heated hot pools
and/or Roman baths. There is even a geothermal spot in Rotorua that has been dedicated as a public
park where locals and tourists can walk among small rifts in the earth that emit steam. The outlying
areas of Rotorua are the most impressive. You can find heated lakes, rivers, and even small
waterfalls to bathe in (but look out for sandflies!). All of these features are highlighted by the Wai-O-
Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, such as the Champagne Pool showed in the photo above. About an
hour and a half or so to the southwest stands Lake Taupo with many of the features Rotorua offers
on a smaller scale (including fewer tourists).

1. Yellowstone National Park
Perhaps the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful has influenced popular language and
culture as a term of reliability. The geyser (discovered in 1870) can be found in the Old Faithful
Historic District in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The geyser erupts at regular intervals at
about an hour each. Old Faithful is just the poster child for the greater Yellowstone caldera, a
volcanic hotspot caused by the inward collapse of land onto a geothermal layer caused by previous
eruption. The end result is a super volcano that can potentially emit an eruption over a thousand
times larger than regular volcanoes. Numerous steam shafts, geysers, and geothermal anomalies
coat the area with intriguing features. For now, Yellowstone makes a great place to visit!