Developments in geothermal resources in 1981

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6406297

Combs, J ^[1]; Berge, C W; Lund, J W; Anderson, D N

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1. Geothermal Resources International, Inc., Menlo Park, CA

Drilling of geothermal exploration and development wells in 1981 showed a slight increase over 1980. In 1981, 99 wells accounted for 64,781 ft of hole. A total of 203,673 ft of hole was cut during the drilling of 37 geothermal exploratory wells. California again had the largest number of wildcats at 16, followed by Nevada with 10. Eight successful wildcats accounted for 34,862 ft of hole, with an average total depth of 4358 ft. These include wells capable of producing dry and wet steam, as well as ones intended for direct-use applications. Of the 62 geothermal development wells in 1981, representing 471,108 ft of hole, 56 were considered capable of production. Also, there has been a significant increase in average depth, from 5997 ft in 1980 to 7901 ft in 1981. Although there have been no new geothermal electrical power plants brought on-line in The Geysers during 1981, construction continued on 6 plants, with a combined capacity of 537 MWe, scheduled to become operational during 1982 through 1984. A strong trend is emerging in the area of power generation from geothermal resources: the development of small power plants (i.e., those of 1.5 to 20 MWe capacity). Two small facilities, 1 of 3 MWe at the Puna District in Hawaii and 1 of 1.6 MWe at the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA in Utah, became operational in 1981. This movement toward smaller, semiportable, less expensive power plants is healthy, and is indicative of the desire of utilities and geothermal operators to solve their mutual problems. With the approval for 2 new electrical transmission lines, a major impediment to the eventual development of geothermal resources in The Geysers and the Imperial Valley has been removed. The construction of district heating projects highlights direct-use applications of geothermal energy in 1981.

• OSTI ID: 6406297
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 66:11; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
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FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
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WELL DRILLING
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