A Preliminary Identification of Potential Geothermal Energy Uses in the Tennessee Valley Region

Abstract

This study identifies potential commercial applications of low grade geothermal energy in the Tennessee Valley region, which includes the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and parts of adjacent states. The most promising geothermal resources within this region are located in the New Madrid seismic zone, where aquifer temperatures of 158-194°F fare projected. Criteria for the selection of potential applications of geothermal energy to processes other than space heating and cooling are presented. This is followed by a discussion of commercial and industrial processes that have been tentatively indentified as viable uses of geothermal resources, including textile finishing, greenhouses, food processing, and fish hatcheries. Preliminary examinations suggest that corn and soybean processing may be the most promising candidates for geothermal resource applications in this region.