Direct utilization of geothermal energy for Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Final report, June 1979-June 1984
The Pagosa Springs Geothermal District Heating System was conceptualized, designed, and constructed between 1979 to 1984 under the US Department of Energy Program Opportunity Notice (PON) program to demonstrate the feasibility for utilizing moderate temperature geothermal resources for direct-use applications. The Pagosa Springs system successfully provides space heating to public buildings, school facilities, residences, and commercial establishments at costs significantly lower than costs of available conventional fuels. The Pagosa Springs project encompassed a full range of technical, institutional, and economic activities. Geothermal reservoir evaluations and testing were performed, and two productive approx.140/sup 0/F geothermal supply wells were successfully drilled and completed. Transmission and distribution system design, construction, startup, and operation were achieved with minimum difficulty. The geothermal system operation during the first two heating seasons has been fully reliable and well respected in the community. The project has proven that low to moderate-temperature waters can effectively meet required heating loads, even for harsh winter-mountain environments. The principal difficulty encountered has been institutional in nature and centers on the obtaining of the geothermal production well permits and the adjudicated water rights necessary to supply the geothermal hot water fluids for the full operating life of the system. 28 figs., 15 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Coury and Associates, Lakewood, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC07-79ET27030
- OSTI ID:
- 6223938
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/27030-7; ON: DE86004136
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GEOTHERMAL DISTRICT HEATING
PERFORMANCE
URBAN AREAS
GEOTHERMAL SPACE HEATING
COLORADO
CONSTRUCTION
COST
DESIGN
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
WELL DRILLING
DISTRICT HEATING
DRILLING
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
HEATING
NORTH AMERICA
SPACE HEATING
USA
Geothermal Legacy
151000* - Geothermal Energy- Direct Energy Utilization