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Water Use in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Geology of U.S. Stimulation Projects, Water Costs, and Alternative Water Use Policies
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), geothermal energy generation in the United States is projected to more than triple by 2040 (EIA 2013). This addition, which translates to more than 5 GW of generation capacity, is anticipated because of technological advances and an increase in available sources through the continued development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) and low-temperature resources (EIA 2013). Studies have shown that air emissions, water consumption, and land use for geothermal electricity generation have less of an impact than traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation; however, the long-term sustainability of geothermal power plants can be affected by insufficient replacement of aboveground or belowground operational fluid losses resulting from normal operations (Schroeder et al. 2014). Thus, access to water is therefore critical for increased deployment of EGS technologies and, therefore, growth of the geothermal sector. This paper examines water issues relating to EGS development from a variety of perspectives. It starts by exploring the relationship between EGS site geology, stimulation protocols, and below ground water loss, which is one of the largest drivers of water consumption for EGS projects. It then examines the relative costs of different potential traditional and alternative water sources for EGS. Finally it summarizes specific state policies relevant to the use of alternative water sources for EGS, and finally explores the relationship between EGS site geology, stimulation protocols, and below ground water loss, which is one of the largest drivers of water consumption for EGS projects.
Resources
13 resources available
-
ANL FY2014 Geothermal Report.pdf
PDF -
TABLE 1 Summary of Project Stimulation Parameters .xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 10 Idaho State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 11 Nevada State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 12 Oregon State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 2 Power Plant Scenarios and Water Consumption Rates.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Locations and Flow Rates.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 4 Water Supply Cost Results.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 5 Range of Estimated Total Annual Water Costs for EGS Projects.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 6 Cost of Acquiring Fresh Water .xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 7 Water Treatment Costs.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 8 Summary of Alternative Water Regulations and Regulatory Agencies.xlsx
XLSX -
TABLE 9 California State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx
XLSX
Complete Metadata
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| description | According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), geothermal energy generation in the United States is projected to more than triple by 2040 (EIA 2013). This addition, which translates to more than 5 GW of generation capacity, is anticipated because of technological advances and an increase in available sources through the continued development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) and low-temperature resources (EIA 2013). Studies have shown that air emissions, water consumption, and land use for geothermal electricity generation have less of an impact than traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation; however, the long-term sustainability of geothermal power plants can be affected by insufficient replacement of aboveground or belowground operational fluid losses resulting from normal operations (Schroeder et al. 2014). Thus, access to water is therefore critical for increased deployment of EGS technologies and, therefore, growth of the geothermal sector. This paper examines water issues relating to EGS development from a variety of perspectives. It starts by exploring the relationship between EGS site geology, stimulation protocols, and below ground water loss, which is one of the largest drivers of water consumption for EGS projects. It then examines the relative costs of different potential traditional and alternative water sources for EGS. Finally it summarizes specific state policies relevant to the use of alternative water sources for EGS, and finally explores the relationship between EGS site geology, stimulation protocols, and below ground water loss, which is one of the largest drivers of water consumption for EGS projects. |
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|
| DOI | 10.15121/1170247 |
| identifier | https://data.openei.org/submissions/6774 |
| issued | 2014-12-16T07:00:00Z |
| keyword |
[
"EGS",
"alternative water",
"desert peak",
"enhance geothermal system",
"geology",
"geothermal",
"newberry",
"newberry volcano",
"policy",
"power",
"raft river",
"the geysers",
"water",
"water use"
]
|
| landingPage | https://gdr.openei.org/submissions/464 |
| license | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| modified | 2017-06-27T19:44:00Z |
| programCode |
[
"019:006"
]
|
| projectLead | Arlene Anderson |
| projectNumber | FY14 AOP 4.1.0.1 |
| projectTitle | Water Use in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Geology of U.S. Stimulation Projects, Water Costs, and Alternative Water Use Policies |
| publisher |
{
"name": "Argonne National Laboratory",
"@type": "org:Organization"
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|
| title | Water Use in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Geology of U.S. Stimulation Projects, Water Costs, and Alternative Water Use Policies |
