On Monday, May 5, the geothermal industry will recognize Geothermal Awareness Day in California (#GeothermalDay2014) with a slate of activities in Sacramento and beyond, including a call for entries for GEA Honors, the Geothermal Energy Association's annual awards program.

"There is a growing need to educate Californians about the benefits of geothermal energy, and Geothermal Awareness Day is a great opportunity to make progress on understanding geothermal power," Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director said.

"May 5 is Geothermal Awareness Day in Sacramento, and GEA is making key information available at its website free to the public to encourage Californians to learn more about the benefits of geothermal to the state," he added.

Reports of interest include: "Report on the State of Geothermal In California," April 2012; "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future US Power System," October 2013 (published jointly with the Geothermal Resources Council); "Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions," November 2012; and the recently updated "Geothermal Basics." These reports, and more, are available free of charge at: http://geo-energy.org/reports.aspx.

As the industry recognizes sector accomplishments during Geothermal Awareness Day, GEA calls on geothermal business leaders to nominate the best and the brightest for GEA Honors, which recognizes the contributions made by companies and individuals in the past year that have advanced technology, business and environmental sustainability through the field of Geothermal Energy.

"It's amazing to see the success being achieved in the geothermal sector, from cutting edge technology that are bring projects online to valuable research that are bringing us closer to a sustainable future. GEA Honors offers a moment to pause and celebrate the positive developments in the geothermal energy industry," said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.

GEA Honors is accepting nominations in the following categories:

+ Technological Advancement (GEA members only): awarded to an individual or company that has pioneered new ideas or innovative technology in the field of geothermal energy.

+ Economic Development (GEA members only): awarded to an individual or company that has contributed to the development of local, regional or national markets through geothermal systems.

+ Environmental Stewardship (industry wide): awarded to an individual or company that has promoted environmental sustainability through the use of geothermal systems.

+ Special Recognition (industry wide): the GEA will additionally be accepting nominations for special recognition of an individual or company that has outstanding achievements in the geothermal energy industry.