Geothermal resources in California: potentials and problems

摘要: The technology, cost and potential of geothermal resources in California are examined. production power from dry stream fields is expanding Northern California, at Geysers, costs that compare favorably with alternate means generation. possibility exists economic production: can be started the Imperial Valley, but numerous issues remain to resolved; chief among them demonstration commercially valuable aquifers indeed exist. demineralized water fluids Valley depends, other things, upon identification sources for plant cooling, or reservoir reinjection, should it necessary avoid subsidence. It would appear production, without income-producing capability associated generation, not economically reasonable. The pace development Geysers could probably accelerated perhaps offering PG&E opportunity maintenance adequate generating reserves their nuclear construction program delayed. unknown factors risks involved seem preclude resource being immediately effective improving generation picture Southern California. However, next decade, provide a useful energy increment, 10% peak load. Associated offer relief its predicted quality problem. public private seems incommensurately slow relation resource. Geothermal intrinsically pollution-free, appropriate environmental protection possible.