Geothermal Applications in Agriculture: Mushroom Farming in the Western United States

Abstract

The relatively high energy costs of large, surface sited mushroom farms has prompted a study to investigate the feasibility of constructing what is believed would be the world's first mushroom farm to utilize geothermal water as its primary energy source. As presently conceived, this moderate sized facility would combine a highly automated growing operation with the use of geothermal wells to provide all heating and cooling energy requirements. An analysis utilizing order of magnitude capital and operating cost estimates reveals that extensive benefits may result from the use of geothermal energy. Several factors contribute to a project's financial feasibility; however, it is the use of geothermal energy that transforms what might otherwise be an undistinguished business venture into a potentially profitable operation. The authors conclude that the remote possibility of a geothermal resource failure is far outweighed by energy cost savings potentially equal to many time the total capital cost of a geothermal energy system.