Geothermal after DOE: chances for commercialization

Conference · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6709561

Robinson, O; Friedlander, A F

During 1980, The US Department of Energy researched and demonstrated advanced technology for utilizing geothermal for steam power generation and heat pump systems. In its program, DOE also made an assessment of the geothermal resources. The research also concentrated upon various forms of advanced drilling technology, paticularly efforts with temperature instrumentation. In 1981, DOE closed down many of the projects and terminated its support of the program. In the interim period, the activity has been encouraged through regulatory incentive programs, primarily at the state levels and through the provisions of PURPA. While the private marketplace has been slow in adapting and transferring the technology, there are now evidences that the most likely areas for continuation will be in the conventional approaches in smaller scale projects. It is also evident that the utilization of geothermal resources will require an extensive financial infrastructure which has not previously existed in the private sector for such energy projects. The conventional sources of financing have been reluctant to handle the risk involved and have made more extensive requirements for the up-front development costs of geothermal projects. As a result, the marketing and commercialization of the geothermal resource now requires other methods of financing such as limited partnerships, venture capital and public offerings. This paper evaluates the prospects for such financing methods and the types of projects which are most likely to make it into the commercial marketplace within the next five years.

• Research Organization: Keplinger and Associates, Inc. Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6709561
• Report Number(s): CONF-830812-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150400* -- Geothermal Energy-- Legislation & Regulations
ALKANES
CAPITAL
COMMERCIALIZATION
DRILLING
FINANCING
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
GULF COAST
HEAT PUMPS
HYDROCARBONS
JOINT VENTURES
LAWS
MARKETING
METHANE
NATIONAL ENERGY ACT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POWER GENERATION
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
STEAM GENERATION
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WEST COAST