The GEA Honors recognize companies and individuals that have made outstanding developments and achievements in the geothermal industry

Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2012) – The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has extended the submission deadline for its second annual GEA Honors awards in order to accommodate last-minute entries. Nominations will now be accepted until Friday, June 8, and can be submitted by visiting http://geo-energy.org/GEAHonors.aspx.

The GEA Honors recognize companies and individuals that have made outstanding developments and achievements in the geothermal industry. The awards program provides a unique opportunity to distinguish the top industry accomplishments and acknowledge the people and companies driving recent successes.

This year awards will be given out in the following categories:

*Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new, innovative or pioneering technology to further geothermal development.

*Environmental Stewardship: Awarded to an individual or company that has fostered outstanding environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. This award will be presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI).

*Economic Development: Awarded to an individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the development of local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems.

*Special Recognition: Awarded to an individual or company for outstanding achievement in the geothermal industry. These awards are open to both GEA members and non-member companies.

GEA member companies are eligible to win in all awards categories. Special Recognition awards are open to both GEA members and non-member companies and individuals alike. All are encouraged to submit nominations. Finalists will be named the end of June and winners will be announced at an awards dinner at the GEA National Geothermal Summit 2012 on August 7 in Sacramento, Calif. To submit an entry or for more information, interested companies and individuals can visit http://geo-energy.org/GEAHonors.aspx.

Last year's winners included: TAS Energy Inc. (Technological Advancement) for its development of a new high-efficiency binary expander; Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Economic Development) for significant economic contributions to the state of Nevada by creating quality jobs, establishing a strong presence for renewables, paying millions of dollars in taxes and supporting quality programs; and EnergySource LLC Hudson Ranch I Project (Environmental Stewardship) for dramatically reducing CO2 emissions and protection of biological resources.

About the Geothermal Energy Association:

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association comprised of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/.