I've long been an advocate of geothermal power: it's clean, doesn't take up much space, can be done almost anywhere, and could be a lot cheaper than space-based solar power. So I'm heartened to see that geothermal exploration is increasing across America.
According to experts, America is only just waking up to the ancient power source lying beneath dozens of states that has the potential to supply as much as 25 percent of the nation's energy needs."High prices and climate change are definitely creating a renaissance in geothermal interest, particularly on a state and local level," said Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association.
"There really is a tremendous amount going on right now."
As well as Alaska, geothermal projects, which are eligible for tax benefits, are underway in most Western states and across the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, he said.
"It's only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is possible," said Mr Gawell.
"If we really want to go all out for it, we could easily achieve a substantial amount, 20, 25 per cent of US energy needs within a few decades. We're limited more by public policy than the resource - the resource is enormous."
As drilling technology improves (maybe thanks to high oil prices?) geothermal power will get cheaper and easier to implement in a wide variety of locations, not just on volcanoes.
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