| Abstract |
Engineering and economic studies have been conducted on four agricultural and municipal direct energy projects. Two of the projects located in Northern California are being constructed in 1981 and will be operating in 1981-82. Two other in Northern California and Southern Idaho have not progressed beyond the paper studies. This paper will summarize the Susanville, Mountain Home, Kelley Hot Spring and Litchfield projects in terms of engineering and economics, institutional, permitting issues and financing and will draw conclusion form the evaluation and maturing of geothermal direct use projects in the U.S. in the 1975-81 time period. The institutional, financial and management factors delaying two of the projects are addressed. The characteristics of successful geothermal direct use project in the U.S. are discussed. Three of the project have been funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. One of the projects is a private level government state funded effort that will displace over 500,000 gallons of oil per year. |