A scenario for geothermal electric power development in Imperial Valley

Donald L. Ermak

Energy, 1978, vol. 3, issue 2, 203-217

Abstract: The growth of geothermal electric power operations in Imperial Valley, California is projected over the next 40 yr. With commercial power forecast to become available in the 1980s, the scenario considers three subsequent growth rates of 40, 100 and 250 megawatts (MW) per year. These growth rates, along with estimates of the total resource size, result in a maximum level of electric power production ranging from 1000 to 8000 MW to be attained in the 2010 to 2020 time period. Power plant siting constraints are developed and used to make siting patterns for the 400 through the 8000 MW level of power production. Two geothermal technologies are included in the scenario: flashed steam systems which can produce their own cooling water from the geothermal steam condensate and which emit noncondensable gases to the atmosphere; and high pressure, confined flow systems which inject all the geothermal fluid back into the ground. An analysis of the scenario is made with regard to well drilling and power-plant construction rates, land use, cooling water requirements, and hydrogen sulfide emissions.

Date: 1978
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:3:y:1978:i:2:p:203-217

DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(78)90069-5

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