| Title | A New Perspective on Major Geothermal Power R&D Programs |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lawford, T. W. |
| Year | 1979 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Economics; R & D Properties; Electric Power; Hydrothermal Reservoirs; USA; Idaho; High Temperature; Resource Base; Well Data; Statistics; Energy Content; Conversion Efficiency; Conversion Technology; Field System Technology; US DOE; EG7G Idaho; USGS |
| Abstract | This paper describes an innovative new method to evaluate the economic electric potential of the U.S. hydrothermal resource base, and the increase in this economic potential due to major R&D technical programs. This method firs evaluates the electrical potential of the U.S. hydrothermal resource base by applying appropriate conversion efficiencies to the projected temperature distribution of the hydrothermal energy base. Economics are applied, and the well flow required to generate economical power at any given temperature is established. A well flow probability that the required well flow can be achieved, and that probability establishes the fraction of the resources base at the given temperature which can economically be developed. |