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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 73 (1989)

Issue: 10B. (October Part B)

First Page: 366

Last Page: 374

Title: Developments in Geothermal Resources, 1983-1988

Author(s): Phillip Michael Wright (2)

Abstract:

Hydrothermal resources, one of the several types of geothermal resources, are being actively developed on a worldwide basis. Other types of geothermal energy--geopressured, hot dry rock, and magma--remain uneconomic but show considerable promise for the future. Technical problems and low energy prices inhibit the development of each of the 4 geothermal types. Geothermal energy is used both for generation of electricity and for direct-heat applications. Use of geothermal energy is desirable because it is an environmentally clean, utility-compatible source of energy that directly displaces the need for more nuclear plants and frees petroleum for other important uses.

Current worldwide hydrothermal generating capacity is about 5,457 electrical megawatts (MWe) in 18 countries, with the United States accounting for 2,609 MWe of the total. Current worldwide direct uses of hydrothermal energy amount to about 10,000 thermal megawatts (MWt).

Geothermal development in the United States currently is depressed due to comparatively low energy costs and a temporary excess in electrical generating capacity. Because of these factors as well as lack of adequate technology, only a small portion of the known hydrothermal resource base can be used economically today.

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