AEIOU: Accelerated Exploration for Integrated and Optimal Utilization: A Strategy for Geothermal Resource Development at Department of Defense Installations

Abstract

A program is currently being conducted by the Division of Earth Sciences, UNLV, and the Geothermal Utilization Division, China Lake Naval Weapons Center (and funded jointly by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Energy), at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, California, as an example of accelerated development of geothermal resources at Department of Defense installations. The focus of this program is to assess the potential for development of low temperature geothermal resources for space heating applications. decisions are based on data derived from geologic and geophysical surveys, temperatures gradient holes, environmental issue, and engineering and economic studies. there are several important difference between this and previous studies. The most important is that the geothermal reservoir data are known and not assumed. In addition, selected base heat loads are considered as separate items and specific environmental issues are identified in areas of greatest anticipated activity. Recommendations are also made for reservoir confirmation, retrofitting existing structures, and co-locating new structures within the areal extent of the geothermal resource.