| Abstract |
Geothermal energy has a promising potential to supply electric power t the Pacific Northwest. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified two high temperature hydrothermal convection systems in Idaho, eight in Oregon, and one in Washington (1). Six of these eleven systems have an estimated electrical potential of greater than 50MWe for 30 years. We estimate that the production cost of one of these sites (Newberry Caldera, Oregon) is competitive now with the marginal cost of new conventional electric power generation. The other five sites could become competitive in the 1980's with successful technological improvements currently under investigation by the Department of Energy(2). In view of the favorable economics of geothermal power, coupled with the apparent problems of conventional energy sources, utilities in the Pacific Northwest should begin developing the indigenous geothermal resources now. |