Of all the alternative energy sources being discussed, I think geothermal gets the least amount of discussion, especially considering the positives.

For those who don't know, geothermal energy is energy from heat stored in the earth. It is captured in various ways, but it typically involves drilling into the earth's core and extracting hot water and steam from different depths.

There are a couple of big advantages with geothermal.

1)To start, fuel isn't needed to heat or cool a home, or generate electricity.

2)Geothermal is competitive price-wise. There are extensive upfront costs, but for generating electricity, its similar to wind and much cheaper than solar.

3)The big advantage it has over wind and solar is its ability to provide base load power. This basically means it runs 24/7. Base load is the minimum amount of electricity that utilities need to supply for things to run. This is HUGE. The wind doesn't always blow, the sun doesn't always shine, but the earth's heat doesn't shut off.

Combining 24/7 geothermal with other various sources can provide a workable combination for power generation. Plus, you can use the same land for multiple uses often times. In the U.S., the best areas for geothermal are on the West coast, which is also the best areas for solar power. It is feasible to run geothermal below ground and solar above ground on the same land.


So where does that put us as investors. Through my research, the best company I've found is called Ormat Technologies (ORA). Company Description: It operates in two segments, Electricity and Products. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal and recovered energy-based power plants, and sells electricity. The Products segment designs, manufactures, and sells equipment for geothermal and recovered energy-based electricity generation; and remote power units and other power generators, including fossil fuel powered turbo-generators and heavy duty direct current generators.


Some positives for the geothermal industry:

-The states are taking the lead by passing Renewable Portfolio Standards requiring specific amounts of energy be derived from renewable sources by a specific date. California is one of the first to kick in with 20% required by 2010. 27 states have taken on this plan, and geothermal should play a big role. Plus, the entire world is taking on many mandates like this, and Ormat supplies products and services worldwide.

-The federal government will be rolling out programs to stimulate renewable energy. First, there's Obama's economic stimulus plan coming in 2009, and geothermal should fit into it somewhere. There are also tax credits for businesses and individuals to adopt these programs.

-There is a lot of funding and venture capital floating around for renewable energy programs. Google has been a big proponent of geothermal, via their philanthropic wing, google.org. They've given over $10 million in grants to research geothermal power.


As for Ormat's stock, its expensive, but cheaper than it was six months ago. With oil prices dropping and the economy weakening, many renewable projects are being put on hold, but it should come back stronger, and soon. The stock is trading at 20x 2009 projected earnings. They are estimated to grow earnings from $1.10 in 2008 to $1.51 in 2009, via consensus estimates. I don't currently own the stock, but I'd look at taking a position if the price gets a little more attractive. But I'm a buyer of geothermal energy and I think it will play a big role in the world's transformation to renewable energy.

Disclosure: None.