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Title: Cluster analysis as a tool for evaluating the exploration potential of Known Geothermal Resource Areas

Journal Article · · Geothermics
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [3];  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID (United States). Dept. of Geological Sciences
  2. Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
  3. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
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Although many Known Geothermal Resource Areas (KGRAs) in southeast Oregon and southern Idaho were identified during the 1970s and 1980s, few were subsequently developed commercially. Because of advances since the 1980s, it is possible that some of previously identified KGRAs may now be economically viable prospects. Unfortunately, available characterization data vary widely in accuracy, precision, and granularity, making assessments problematic. Here we present a decision-making procedure that compares test areas against proven resources using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster identification. The result is a low-cost decision making tool for evaluating potential geothermal development targets and prioritizing exploration efforts.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231; AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
1415519
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1434027; OSTI ID: 1471079
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-17-42830-Rev000; S0375650517302626; PII: S0375650517302626
Journal Information:
Geothermics, Journal Name: Geothermics Vol. 72 Journal Issue: C; ISSN 0375-6505
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 19 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
58 GEOSCIENCES
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING
KGRAs
Geothermal exploration
Idaho/Oregon
PCA
Cluster analysis
geothermal exploration
cluster analysis