| Abstract |
Information is provided on the status of geothermal direct heat utilization in the United States, with emphasis on the developments from 1995-1999. Since the 1995 report, there were 27 new and 10 expanded direct-use projects representing an increase in thermal capacity of 136 MWt and annual energy utilization of 2,600 TJ. Geothermal heat pumps represent the largest growth sector during the period, adding an estimated 2,956 MWt and 3,812 TJ/yr to these figures. The total capacity of the U.S. is now at 5,366 MWt with an annual utilization of 20,302 TJ (5,643 GWh). This is equivalent to saving 0.84 million tonnes of fuel oil per year. |