Are the Columbia River Basalts, Columbia Plateau, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, USA, a Viable Geothermal Target? A Preliminary Analysis

摘要: The successful development of a geothermal electric power generation facility relies on (1) the identification sufficiently high temperatures at an economically viable depth and (2) existence or potential to create maintain permeable zone (permeability >10 -14 m 2 ) sufficient size allow efficient long-term extraction heat from reservoir host rock. If both occur under Columbia Plateau, resources there has expand magnitude spatial extent energy production. However, number scientific technical issues must be resolved in order evaluate likelihood that River Basalts, deeper geologic units are targets. Recent research demonstrated flow beneath Plateau Regional Aquifer System may higher than previously measured relatively shallow ( 10 interflows documented depths up ~1,400 m. elevated permeability these zones persists greater depths, they provide natural their exploitation as conventional reservoirs. Alternatively, if interflow is less depth, it possible use hydraulic thermal stimulation enhance jointing within low-permeability interior portions individual basalt flows develop Enhanced/Engineered Geothermal (EGS) key challenge for improved assessment acquiring interpreting comprehensive field data can quantitative constraints recovery Basalts those currently tested by deep boreholes.