Direct-Use Geothermal Potential within the BPA Marketing Area

Abstract

The potential for geothermal direct heat applications was estimated for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) marketing area. Approximately 200 geothermal resource sites were initially identified, which were finally reduced to 53 composite sites based on institutional, environmental and locational constraints. The conversion potential (beneficial heat) for the 63 composite sites was estimated at 3,097 x 10/12 btu/yr. This estimate required the development of a model for estimating the low temperature resources. The geothermal energy load at each of these 53 sites was then estimated for both electrical energy and fossil fuel displacement (direct use load). The major components in the direct use load were space heating and water heating loads for residential, commercial and public buildings, and the industrial process heating load. The total direct use load was estimated at 33.5 x 10/12 btu/yr, of which 15.8 x 10/12 btuyr was potential electrical load displacement and the remainder fossil duel load displacement.