Geothermal resource development in Colorado: processes, promises, and problems. Summary report of the Colorado Team for the Southwest Regional Geothermal Development Operations Research Project for the period June 1, 1977--June 12, 1978. [Monograph]

Book · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6163937

Coe, B A

The potential for use of geothermal energy in Colorado seems to be substantial. At least 56 separate areas have surface manifestations of hydrothermal (hot water) resources. These areas are estimated to contain 5.914 quads (5.914 x 10/sup 15/ Btu) of energy, with extractable energy of 1.48 quads. Since the early 1900's, practical uses of geothermal resources have been common in Pagosa Springs, in Southwest Colorado. Residents there have used hot-water wells to heat numerous buildings, including the County Court House, schools, churches, the newspaper office, a liquor store, 2 hotels, 2 service stations, a drugstore, and a bank, as well as for the swimming pool and spa. Where resources are in use in other parts of the State, most are used for swimming pools or baths. A few wells or springs serve for space heating and agriculture, including greenhouses, a fish farm, and algae growing. At least 30 communities seem to be candidates for obtaining all or part of their space- and water-heating needs from geothermal energy. Twenty-three of these are within 10 miles of the resource area. Sixteen are virtually on-site. Based on the analysis, more than 16,000 homes, plus commercial, industrial, and public buildings could be supplied with heat and hot water. Along with this, heat could be supplied for such process uses as dehydrating vegetables and fruits, malting barley, warming hog pens, and drying timber. Furthermore, 5 electrical generating units of 50 MWe each could be operating.

• OSTI ID: 6163937
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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AGRICULTURE
ANIMAL SHELTERS
APPLIANCES
AQUACULTURE
BUILDINGS
COLORADO
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
EVALUATION
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FORECASTING
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GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
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HEAT
HEATERS
HEATING
HOUSES
NORTH AMERICA
PROCESS HEAT
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
SHELTERS
SPACE HEATING
USA
WATER HEATERS