Session 15: Geothermal Research in Nevada
The Moana geothermal area is the largest single low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resource in the State of Nevada presently employed for direct-use applications. Approximately 150 individual wells, representing a total estimated investment of $5 to $7 million, are presently used to provide heat and hot water to more than 130 private residences, several churches and two large motels. Although most of the wells are constructed to meet the heating needs of individual homes, a large-scale district space heating system, designed to supply heat to 60 houses from a single well, is now being developed. usable temperatures range from 50 to 99 C (120 to 210 F); well depths range from 60 to 400 m (100 to 1300 ft). The number of new wells coming on-line in Moana is two to three per month. Development of the resource has been largely unregulated and questions dealing with reported reservoir temperature and water level declines, loss of artesian flow, and fluid disposal have recently surfaced. In October 1982, a geologic and hydrologic research program began that was designed to provide detailed geothermal reservoir data to present to prospective developers. The program combines geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys of the Moana resource area with a drilling program for 5 monitor/observation wells. Data from this program are supplied directly to developers as well as state and local government agencies to provide for prudent resource development. This paper summarizes the program elements and describes the present status.
- Research Organization:
- Division of Earth Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Environmental Research Center, Reno, NV (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Sponsor not identified (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 838156
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8310177-15; TRN: US200508%%295
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Proceedings of the Geothermal Program Review II, Washington, DC (US), 10/11/1983--10/13/1983; Other Information: Page range is 317-331; Incl. 2 UNV papers by Flynn, T.; and Ghusn, G. Jr.; and Fultz, L.A.; Bell, E.J.; and Trexler, D.T.; PBD: 1 Dec 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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