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Title: Survey report: study of information/educational discussions with private industries and public institutions on the direct-heat utilization of geothermal energy

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7308916· OSTI ID:7308916

Results of a study of private and public institutions' responses to the proposed use of geothermal energy in the form of direct heat are summarized. This heat energy would be used as an alternate or supportive source for their process or other heat requirements. The summary includes information from over 75 personal contacts with firms in several categories. No attempt is made to reference specific data to any particular company. Although not necessarily confidential, some financial information concerning energy costs to profits was considered sensitive and is respected as such. The companies contacted are in the following categories: food processing--canning, drying, dehydration; chemicals; paper/wood-pulp processing; food machinery; horticulture; and dairy. The area covered in the study was from Seattle, Washington, to San Diego, California, during mid-1976. Industry's response varied from mild interest, as with corporations that had little or no knowledge of geothermal energy (and regard it as a new unproven science), to enthusiasm from corporations that employ their own energy departments. The study clearly indicated the need for a basic educational/promotional program and an operating demonstration project (industrial park) to prove economic feasibility and instill confidence in the potential of geothermal energy.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
7308916
Report Number(s):
LBL-5988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English