Geothermal Development Program
Geothermal Development Program

Author: California Energy Commission

Publisher:

Published: 1981

Total Pages: 18

ISBN-13:

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The California Energy Commission's (CEC) Geothermal Program has, in the past, focused on electrical generation. Recently the Program has begun a transition from power generation towards commercialization of nonelectric, direct use applications. This procession was influenced by the commercialization of electrical generation technology at The Geysers and the extensive development activities in Imperial Valley. Further, little progress has been made to develop California's low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources for direct use applications despite their abundance and the commercial availability of the technology and associated equipment. In order to stimulate the market for direct use applications, the CEC has funded, or is in the process of funding, feasibility and design studies for 11 geothermal direct use projects. These studies are intended to assess and demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of using geothermal energy for a variety of direct use applications. If the studies prove feasible and the projects constructed, the energy saved would be the heat equivalent to almost 200,000 barrels of oil per year. More importantly, since 46 of California's 58 counties have indications of hot water resources, these projects offer significant opportunity for replicability throughout the State representing an even greater energy savings potential. This package provides a description of each of the studies along with a map locating the study sites and potential resource areas in California where such projects might be possible.

Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Energy

Author: Lahontan, Inc

Publisher:

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13:

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This report ranks and describes California's geographic and end-use markets which could directly use low and moderate temperature geothermal resources are ranked and described, as well as those which have the highest potential for near-term commercial development of these resources. Building on previous market surveys, the assessment determined that out of 38 geothermal resource areas with characteristics for direct use development, five areas have no perceived impediments to near-term development: Susanville, Litchfield, Ontario Hot Springs, Lake Elsinore, and the Salton Sea Geothermal Field. Twenty-nine applications were compared with previously selected criteria to determine their near-term potential for direct use of geothermal fluids. Seven categories were found to have the least impediments to development; agriculture and district heating applications are considered the highest. Ten-year projections were conducted for fossil fuel displacement from the higher rated applications. It is concluded that greenhouses have the greatest displacement of 18 x 106 therms per year.

Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Energy

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1981

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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The potential geothermal direct-use energy market and its application to projects in California are assessed. Project identification effort is to be focused on those that have the highest probability for near-term successful commercial operations. Near-term herein means 2 to 5 years for project implementation. Phase I has been focused on defining and assessing: (1) the geothermal direct-use resources that are suitable for near-term utilization; and (2) the generic applications (municipal heating districts, horticultural greenhouse firms, laundries, etc.) that are suitable for near-term projects. Five economic development regions in the state, containing recognized geothermal direct-use resources, have been defined. Thirty-eight direct use resources have been evaluated in these regions. After assessment against pre-selected criteria, twenty-seven have been rated with a priority of I, II or III, thereby qualifying them for further marketing effort. The five areas with a priority of I are summarized. These areas have no perceived impediments to near-term development. Twenty-nine generic categories of applications were assessed against previously selected criteria to determine their near term potential for direct use of geothermal fluids. Some twenty industry, commercial and institutional application categories were rated with a priority of I, II or III and warrant further marketing efforts. The seven categories with a priority of I are listed. These categories were found to have the least impediments to near-term application projects.