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.
Resources
| Name | Format | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANL FY2014 Geothermal Report.pdf | Publication detailing water use as it relates to EGS | Open resource | |
| TABLE 10 Idaho State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx | XLS | Summary of state laws and applicable definitions for water reuse in Idaho | Open resource |
| TABLE 11 Nevada State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx | XLS | Summary of state laws and applicable definitions for water reuse in Nevada | Open resource |
| TABLE 1 Summary of Project Stimulation Parameters .xlsx | XLS | Table summarizing stimulation parameters (flow rate, max pressure, duration, and injectivity) | Open resource |
| TABLE 12 Oregon State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx | XLS | Summary of state laws and applicable definitions for water reuse in Oregon | Open resource |
| TABLE 2 Power Plant Scenarios and Water Consumption Rates.xlsx | XLS | Table summarizing different scenarios and their parameters (plant type, capacity, resource temp, water consumption rate, and total annual consumption) | Open resource |
| TABLE 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Locations and Flow Rates.xlsx | XLS | Locations and flow rates of wastewater treatment plants site near each site | Open resource |
| TABLE 4 Water Supply Cost Results.xlsx | XLS | Table summarizing probable water supply costs at each of the sites for each scenario and each potential water source (in 2012$ per ac-ft) | Open resource |
| TABLE 5 Range of Estimated Total Annual Water Costs for EGS Projects.xlsx | XLS | Maximum and minimum water costs for each site and each scenario | Open resource |
| TABLE 6 Cost of Acquiring Fresh Water .xlsx | XLS | Cost of fresh water (surface and groundwater) acquisition broken down by state for observed sites. | Open resource |
| TABLE 7 Water Treatment Costs.xlsx | XLS | Cost of different water treatment options (in 2012$ per ac-ft of water supplied) | Open resource |
| TABLE 8 Summary of Alternative Water Regulations and Regulatory Agencies.xlsx | XLS | Summary of regulations on use of alternative waters by state | Open resource |
| TABLE 9 California State Laws and Applicable Definitions for Water Reuse.xlsx | XLS | Summary of state laws and applicable definitions for water reuse in California | Open resource |