Utilization of geothermal energy in the production of fuel grade ethanol in the San Luis Valley, Colorado

Conference · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6656245

Hewlett, E M; Erickson, M V; Walter, K M

The San Luis Valley, a high alpine valley in south-central Colorado, is an area of known geothermal activity. The valley is a sparsely populated agricultural area whose principal crops are potatoes, beer barley, and wheat. In the surrounding mountains there are several lumber operations. This combination of a geothermal heat source and a biomass feedstock source makes the valley a candidate area for the production of fermentation ethanol. Therefore, a study was initiated to investigate the engineering, environmental, institutional and economic feasibility of utilizing geothermal energy for the commercial production of 76 to 189 million liters (20 to 50 million gallons) of fuel grade ethanol in the San Luis Valley.

• Research Organization: WESTEC Services, Inc., San Diego, CA
• OSTI ID: 6656245
• Report Number(s): CONF-811015-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
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15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
151000* -- Geothermal Energy-- Direct Energy Utilization
BARLEY
CEREALS
COLORADO
ECONOMICS
ENERGY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ETHANOL PLANTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FOOD
GEOTHERMAL PROCESS HEAT
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
HEAT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POTATOES
PROCESS HEAT
REGULATIONS
TUBERS
USA
VEGETABLES
WHEAT