Update of geothermal resources and development in California and northern Mexico

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7315692

Anderson, D N

Since 1960, when the first power plant went on line at The Geysers, geothermal development in California has been increasing steadily. By 1975, more than 200 geothermal exploratory and development wells had been drilled in 10 different areas of the state. Federal lands now are being leased and exploratory activities are under way in more than 20 areas. Power-plant construction at The Geysers has been delayed, but permits for two to four additional plants should be issued in 1976. Exploration and confirmation drilling in the Heber area of the Imperial Valley has led to the scheduling of a power plant in 1980. Many research projects for utilization of the high-saline reservoir at Niland should bear fruit. Development of geothermal resources at Sierra Prieto, Mexico, is under way and expansion of the power-generating facilities is now in progress. Environment, legal, and institutional problems have slowed, and probably will continue to slow, development in all areas in California in the near future. However, a concerted effort is under way by the state and federal governments to resolve these problems. Utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources is just getting under way. The total geothermal potential of the state still is unknown, but exploratory drilling scheduled in the coming year should help to answer this question.

• Research Organization: State Energy Commission, Sacramento, CA
• OSTI ID: 7315692
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 60:12; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150100* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability
CALIFORNIA
CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL FIELD
EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
GEYSERS GEOTHERMAL FIELD
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
IMPERIAL VALLEY
LAND LEASING
LATIN AMERICA
LEASING
LEGAL ASPECTS
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
RESOURCES
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
USA
WESTERN REGION