<P> As of August 2008, 103 new projects are under way in 13 U.S. states . When developed, these projects could potentially supply up to 3,979 MW of power, meeting the needs of about 4 million homes . At this rate of development, geothermal production in the United States could exceed 15,000 MW by 2025 . </P> <P> The most significant catalyst behind new industry activity is the Energy Policy Act of 2005 . This Act made new geothermal plants eligible for the full federal production tax credit, previously available only to wind power projects and certain kinds of biomass . It also authorized and directed increased funding for research by the Department of Energy, and enabled the Bureau of Land Management to address its backlog of geothermal leases and permits . </P> <P> In April 2008, exploratory drilling began at Newberry Volcano in Oregon . </P> <P> In 2009, investment bank Credit Suisse calculated that geothermal power costs 3.6 cents per kilowatt - hour, versus 5.5 cents per kilowatt - hour for coal, if geothermal receives loans with lower rates than offered by the market ." </P>

How many homes in the us use geothermal energy