The U.S. states that produce geothermal electricity (from geothermal power plants) are mainly in the western U.S., where volcanic and tectonic activity provides accessible underground heat.
Major geothermal-producing states
These states currently generate geothermal electricity:
- California – by far the largest producer (~66% of U.S. geothermal generation).
- Nevada – second largest (~26%).
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Idaho
- New Mexico
Key facts
- The United States is the world’s largest geothermal electricity producer.
- California and Nevada together produce about 90–95% of U.S. geothermal power.
- Most geothermal resources are in the western states because they lie near tectonic plate boundaries and volcanic zones.
Most geothermal resources are in the western U.S. because of:
- tectonic plate boundaries
- volcanic activity
- thin crust and high underground heat
These geological conditions occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Great Basin region.
Major geothermal areas
- The Geysers – the largest geothermal field in the world, north of San Francisco.
- Imperial Valley (California) – large geothermal plants near the Salton Sea.
- Great Basin (Nevada/Utah) – many smaller geothermal plants.
Conclusion:
There are 7 U.S. states with geothermal electricity production, heavily concentrated in the West.
Almost all U.S. geothermal electricity comes from the western states, with California and Nevada producing over 90% of the total.