Status of Direct Heat Projects in Western States

Abstract

Information on direct heat projects in eleven western states that utilize low to moderate temperature geothermal resources are summarized in this paper. The installed or under construction thermal power from direct heat projects in 1986 (excluding resorts) was about 717.7 million Btu/hour. An additional 22 proposed projects could produce 700.8 million Btu/hour. The annual energy use from 213 installed projects was found to be 2081.7 billion Btu/year. The amount of oil saved by geothermal direct use was estimated to be 520 thousand barrels per year or $15.5 million based on 71 cents per gallon (May 1986). Of the total capacity, space and water heating account for 33%, district heating 28%, greenhouses 21%, fish farming 12% and industrial processing 6%. The total capacity does not include 66 resorts which are estimated to account for 75 billion Btu/year of additional geothermal energy use. The five states with the largest direct use are Idaho (31%), California (17%), Oregon (15%), Nevada (11%), and South Dakota (7%) which account for 82% of the 2081.7 billion Btu/year.