Raft River Geothermal Area Overview

Abstract

At the Raft River Geothermal Area in south central Idaho's Raft River Valley, the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) is investigating practical uses for moderate temperature geothermal fluids. This research is sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE), and EG&G Idaho, Inc., is the prime contractor. Several broad areas of experimental activities and facility constructing are being conducted or are planned. In the area of electrical power generation, a binary cycle, prototype power plant is now being operated. This prototype unit serves as a test bed for advanced engineering concepts that can be incorporated into a large, 5MWe Pilot Plant that is now under construction. Concurrent with the plant construction, a seven well geothermal fluid supply and injection system is nearing completion. In the Direct Application Program researchers are investigating several uses for hydrothermal fluids, to enhance the competitive economic position of geothermal energy. Specific areas of experimentation include food production, and space conditioning.