Normal-Gradient Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Characteristics
- Key words
- General; Exploration; Direct Use; Reservoir Engineering; France; Geology; Geochemistry; Country Update
- Location
- France
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1985
- Session
- Geothermal overviews; Reservoir engineering; Exploration; Ge
- Language
- English
Abstract
A particularity of French geothermal engineering is the development of industrial projects in normal gradient, nonconvective areas. The economic feasibility of exploiting highly productive wells (above 150 and up to 350 m/3/h for temperatures of 60 to 100C and depth of 1,500 to 2,000 m) in sedimentary basins with normal gradient fro direct heat production is now proven by 40 operations heating over 500,000 people and constructed during the last few years. This experience opens new ways for geothermal energy development the world over, and in particular in areas displaying dense heat demand (over 2,500 Toe/year in a few square km).
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