The U.S. geothermal energy industry—which grew by 5%, or 147.05 MW, for the year ending March 2013—is seeking more up-front private-equity financing. There are 175 geothermal power projects in development in California, Nevada and other western states. They would add some 620 MW of operational capacity by January 2016, reports the Geothermal Energy Association.

Unlike solar or wind, geothermal can operate 24/7 regardless of weather with a 96% production rate; despite this, geothermal accounted for only about 1% of all new renewable-energy projects brought on line last year.