Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program
The overall objective of the Hot Dry Rock (HDR) Geothermal Energy Development Program is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of HDR as a significant energy source and to provide a basis for its timely commercial development. Principal operational tasks are those activities required to enable a decision to be made by FY86 on the ultimate commercialization of HDR. These include development and analyis of a 20- to 50-MW Phase II HDR reservoir at Site 1 (Fenton Hill) with the potential construction of a pilot electric generating station, Phase III; selection of a second site with subsequent reservoir development and possible construction of a direct heat utilization pilot plant of at least 30 MW thermal thereon; the determination of the overall domestic HDR energy potential; and the evaluation of 10 or more target prospect areas for future HDR plant development by commercial developers. Phase I of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's Fenton Hill project was completed. Phase I evaluated a small subterranean system comprised of two boreholes connected at a depth of 3 km by hydraulic fracturing. A closed-loop surface system has been constructed and tests involving round-the-clock operation have yielded promising data on heat extraction, geofluid chemistry, flow impedance, and loss of water through the underground reservoir between the two holes, leading to cautions optimism for the future prospects of private-sector HDR power plants. (MHR)
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5717523
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-79-3043; CONF-791204-3
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Miami international conference on alternative energy sources, Miami Beach, FL, USA, 10 Dec 1979
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program Annual Report Fiscal Year 1988
Expectations for a second US Hot Dry Rock Site
Related Subjects
HOT-DRY-ROCK SYSTEMS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
NEW MEXICO
PLANNING
WELL DRILLING
COMMINUTION
DRILLING
FRACTURING
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
SOUTHWEST REGION
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
USA
Geothermal Legacy
150101* - Geothermal Energy- Resources & Availability- USA- (-1989)