Geothermal Play-Fairway Analysis of Washington State Prospects: Phase 2 Results
- Washington Geological Survey, Olympia, WA (United States); Washington Geological Survey
- Washington Geological Survey, Olympia, WA (United States)
- AltaRock Energy, Inc., Seattle, WA (United States)
- Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (United States)
- Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO (United States)
- US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA (United States)
- US Geological Survey, Portland, OR (United States)
An investment of $0.7M from the Geothermal Technology Office for Phase 2 of Play Fairway Analysis in Washington State improved existing favorability models and increased model confidence. The new 1:24,000-scale geological mapping, 15 detailed geophysical surveys, 2 passive seismic surveys, and geochronology collected during this phase are coupled with updated and detailed structural modeling and have significantly improved the conceptual models of three potential blind geothermal systems/plays in Washington State: the St. Helens Shear Zone, Mount Baker, and Wind River Valley. Results of this analysis reveal the presence of commercially viable undiscovered geothermal resources in all three study areas. The analysis additionally provides a clear definition of the geothermal prospects in terms of the essential elements of a functioning geothermal system, the confidence in these assessments, and associated potential and risk of development. As a result, several groups have recently approached our organization about opportunities for large-capital moderate- to high-temperature geothermal development and are very interested in the results of Phase 3 drilling. Here, our updated models, coupled with development interest, provides a compelling basis for investment in future validation activities.
- Research Organization:
- Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Olympia, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0006728
- OSTI ID:
- 1839975
- Journal Information:
- Geothermal Resource Council Transactions, Journal Name: Geothermal Resource Council Transactions Vol. 41
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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