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Geothermal energy: the hot prospect

Journal Article · · EPRI J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7308963

Developed geothermal capacity, 502 MW, all of it belonging to Pacific Gas and Electric Company at The Geysers in California, amounts to 0.2 percent of U.S. power generated. From 11 MW in 1960, PG and E's capacity at The Geysers grew to 290 MW by 1972. Two plants of 106 MW each were later added, raising the total to 502 MW in 1975. Three more units are now being built, and capacity at The Geysers, by PG and E alone, is planned to hit 2000 MW by 1987, quadrupling the 1975 figure in just 12 years. The four prospects--dry steam, hot-water systems, geopressured systems, and crystalline rock and magma--are described. An attempt is made to describe global aspects of geothermal reserves. Data are incomplete and inaccurate, but it is instructive to assess major capacity and learn the locations and applications of geothermal heat. (MCW)

OSTI ID:
7308963
Journal Information:
EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 2:3; ISSN EPRJD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English