Campbell reported in 1983 that selected subsurface geothermal reservoirs located in the Western United States may contain significant geothermal energy, and if development continues, this energy source may provide substantial electrical power or related energy by the year 2000. Utility management must be convinced of the reliability and cost attractiveness of this energy source. A number of exploration programs are in progress to evaluate the potential of geothermal energy in the United States. For example, numerous exploration methods have been employed in Dixie Valley, Nevada, since 1967 with mixed results. However, with DOE support, additional data have recently become available.
We have revised earlier structural models of the basin and have made recommendations for additional investigations that should assist in clarifying the geologic relationships within the reservoir. The principal geologic characteristics of the reservoir that may place limits on project economics appear to be the depth and trend area of producing zones, fluid quality and the amenability of the upper zones to accept large volumes of spent fluids. However, reservoir temperature, flow rates,recharge characteristics and other factors appear to be acceptable either for electrical power production of more than 1,000 MWe, or for direct applications such as on-site agricultural processing.
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