The Future of Geothermal Energy report is an evaluation of geothermal energy as a major supplier of energy in the United States. An 18-member assessment panel with broad experience and expertise was formed to conduct the study beginning in September 2005. The work evaluated three major areas of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS):
- Magnitude and distribution of the EGS resource
- Status and remaining requirements of EGS technology needed to demonstrate feasibility at a commercial scale
- Economic projections of impact of EGS on U.S. energy supply to 2050
The report evaluates the status of EGS technology, details lessons learned, and prioritizes R&D needs for EGS. It will inform the ongoing debate of how to provide a more sustainable and secure energy supply for Americans for the long term, without compromising our economic capacity and political and social stability, and while minimizing environmental impacts. Therefore, energy researchers and developers, utility analysts and executives, and government policy makers should find our report useful. The panel's report was issued in January 2007.
Download the entire report: The Future of Geothermal Energy.
The report is divided up into sections below for more rapid downloading.
- Title page, credits, copyright notice, panel members, and Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Synopsis and Executive Summary, methodologies, and References
- Chapter 2: Geothermal Resource-Base Assessment
- Chapter 3: Recoverable EGS Resource Estimates
- Chapter 4: Review of EGS and Related Technology - Status and Achievements
- Chapter 5: Subsurface System Design Issues and Approaches
- Chapter 6: Drilling Technology and Costs
- Chapter 7: Energy Conversion Systems - Options and Issues
- Chapter 8: Environmental Impacts, Attributes, and Feasibility Criteria
- Chapter 9: Energy-Sector Fundamentals: Economic Analysis, Projections, and Supply Curves
- Appendices