See: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/12/geothermal-outlook-2012-despite-difficulties-industry-will-forge-ahead
U.S. capacity 3,102 MW. Currently, up to 5,745 MW are in development. Equivalent to ~8 nukes, where the U.S. has about ~100. These operate 24 hours a day close to capacity, so nameplate and actual are closer than with wind power. The U.S. now has 42 GW of installed wind capacity, nameplate. Divide by 3 for actual. http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_installed_capacity.asp No source of energy produces 100% of nameplate, although in a few cases nuclear plants have been run close to capacity for long periods. With most sources you do not want him to run at nameplate continuously, because demand for energy fluctuates. You do not need much electricity at night. It is a darn shame we cannot store much of the stuff. - Jed
