Building Public-Private Cooperation in Geothermal Resource Development

Abstract

The growing need for low and moderate income housing in Twenty-nine Palms, California has generated the need to develop utilities for future use. The potential utilization of geothermal resources was recognized by San Bernardino County but a detailed analysis was required. A grant from the California Energy Commission allowed the County to proceed with an assessment of the area's potential. Through a competitive selection process, a consultant, URS Corporation, was chose to assist the County. As consultants to the County, URS assessed the potential availability of geothermal resources for use in space heating in the Twenty-nine Palms area. Aware that the ultimate goal of a demonstration housing project would require private funding with possible public assistance, URS was careful to base their assumptions and projections on private development criteria. At the same time, the resource assessment was conducted in a manner that insured County control of the research results and improvements. Future phases of the project will allow the County administration control over the resource which may be used for privately funded development.