The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announced on Friday the finalists for the GEA Honors, which recognize companies and individuals that have made significant contributions during the past year to advancing technology, spurring economic development or protecting the environment.

Calpine, which operates plants in The Geysers geothermal steamfield on Cobb, is among the finalists.

The awards program, which is in its second year, also gives special recognition to companies and individuals who have otherwise made notable advancements and achievements for geothermal energy.

Winners will be announced at a special awards dinner at the second annual GEA National Geothermal Summit Awards Dinner in Sacramento, Calif. On Aug. 7.

“The companies and individuals that were nominated and passed screening demonstrate the significant progress being made in the U.S. geothermal industry,” commented Karl Gawell, GEA’s Executive Director. “We are proud to recognize those companies and individuals that are leading the way towards a successful future for expanded geothermal energy production. It is through the hard work and diligence of these honorees that geothermal continues to meet the increasing energy needs of our country and provide a clean alternative to coal and other non-renewable energy sources.”

GEA has named the finalists for GEA Honors in the following categories: Technological advancement, economic development and environmental stewardship. In these three categories a final “winner” will be announced in August.

Also announced were special recognition awards open to both GEA members and non-member companies making significant contributions to the geothermal industry.

The Calpine Geysers Visitors Center, located at 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown, is among the those named for the special recognition awards.

The center has been providing public education of geothermal energy since 2010 and has welcomed more than 75,000 visitors from 79 countries.

Others in the special recognition category are AltaRock Energy, Dr. Desikan Bharathan and Dr. Leland (Roy) Mink.