| Title | Industrial Markets for the Texas Geopressured-Geothermal Resource: A Market Survey |
|---|---|
| Authors | Roberts, Kenneth D.; Prestwood, Donna C. L.; Frederick, David O.; Vanston, John H., Jr. |
| Year | 1979 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Economics; Market Study; Moderate Temperature; Methane; USA; Gulf Cost; Market Survey; Fuel Costs; Reservoir Insurance; Reliability; Process Heat; US DOE; University of Texas Austin |
| Abstract | A survey of 267 low grade process heat users along the Texas Gulf Coast was conducted to define the potential market for thermal or combined thermal methane components of the underlying geopressured-geothermal resource. The principal findings were: (1) methane is the major fuel of all industry groups, though substitution to other fuels is anticipated; (2) low anticipated capital replacements and the existence of unused low grad heat limit the potential market; (3) fuel cost and reliability of supply are primary considerations in purchase of process heat equipment; (4) geothermal companies, oil companies and utilities are all acceptable geothermal suppliers, while government agencies are not; (5) successful commercial application followed by reservoir insurance, will stimulate participation more than any other incentive. |