Economics Of Low Temperature, Direct Use Applications Of Geothermal Energy

Abstract

An analysis of 20 processes utilizing low temperature geothermal energy was performed to determine the cost of delivered energy to the process. The analysis indicates that the portion of the cost associated with producing and reinjecting geothermal fluids dominate the cost of direct use applications of low temperature geothermal energy. As a result, the cost of delivered energy correlates with degree of utilization of the resource rather than the type of application. Low temperature geothermal resources can be expected to provide a competitive energy source when reinjection temperatures are low and seasonal peak demands are minimal, thus yielding high utilization rates. The cost of geothermal energy was found to be competitive with fuel-oil-based energy sources at energy utilization levels above 20% of the maximum available. © 1981.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0360-5442

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2023 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1981

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