Geothermal energy development

Book · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6594939

Butler, E W; Pick, J B

Since the 1970's, technological advances in equipment and new market conditions have made drilling for egothermal energy sources in the Imperial Valley of California commercially feasible. Electric power installations are planned to produce up to 3000 MW for export to Los Angeles and San Diego. The Valley, irrigated by the Colorado River waters, is one of the most agriculturally productive in the world, having a year-round growing season. Most Known Geothermal Resource Areas (KGRA) are located beneath these highly cultivated lands. Because of the lack of other large industries in the County besides agribusiness, the population has a lower average standard of living and higher unemployment than other areas of the state. Public opinion is almost universally is favor of geothermal development for economic reasons, as well as to provide an additional needed power source for this hot arid region. Unlike other parts of California, the area has maintained a no-growth policy on population, and it has remained stable and small in relation to land area. The present study by social scientists at the University of California at Riverside is in part an outgrowth of the Imperial County Project of the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. It seeks to assess the effects of full-scale development of thermal energy development on the area as a whole -- population, economy, environment, employment, and community and social relations.

• OSTI ID: 6594939
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150101* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability-- USA-- (-1989)
150500 -- Geothermal Energy-- Economics
Industrial
& Business Aspects
CALIFORNIA
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
IMPERIAL VALLEY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
USA