Elko Heat Company
In early 1978, the US Department of Energy, under its Field Experiments for Direct Uses of Geothermal Energy program opportunity notice, granted financial assistance for a district heating system to be constructed in the downtown core area of Elko, Nevada. The project concept was to provide geothermal utility service to three large commercial users including a commercial office building, a commercial laundry, and a casino/hotel complex. The project included assessment of the geothermal resource potential, test and production well drilling, installation of an energy distribution system, spent fluid collection and disposal system, and connection to the end user facilities. The project was completed in November of 1982 and the three end users brought on line in December of the same year. Elko Heat Company has been providing continuous service to these and several additional customers since this time at a cost basis roughly equal to half the delivered cost basis roughly equal to half the delivered cost of natural gas in the Elko area. Organizational issues are discussed including capitalization, permitting, service contracts, and system management/organization. In presenting the operating results for Elko Heat Company, project cost elements and risk factors, operational and maintenance costs, and performance of major system elements are reviewed. As a final issue, the current financial and operating results are evaluated with an eye towards the long term development of the Elko Heat Company as a cost effective alternative to its principal competitor, natural gas.
- Research Organization:
- Chilton Engineering Chartered, Reno, NV
- OSTI ID:
- 6881744
- Journal Information:
- Geo-Heat Cent. Q. Bull.; (United States), Vol. 9:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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