Geothermal after DOE: chances for commercialization
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-
- Journal Information:
- Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Vol. 1; Conference: 18. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Orlando, FL, USA, 21 Aug 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
COMMERCIALIZATION
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
CAPITAL
DRILLING
FINANCING
GULF COAST
HEAT PUMPS
JOINT VENTURES
MARKETING
METHANE
POWER GENERATION
PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
STEAM GENERATION
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
US DOE
WEST COAST
ALKANES
HYDROCARBONS
LAWS
NATIONAL ENERGY ACT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
150400* - Geothermal Energy- Legislation & Regulations