A Decade of Geothermal Development in Nevada: 1978-1988

Abstract

Development of Nevada's geothermal resource has accelerated in the last decade making it second only to California in geothermal utilization. Principal areas of development include both flash and binary geothermal power plants, industrial process heating, commercial and residential space heating, and aquaculture. The main reasons for this rapid and far reaching development appear to include the availability of a widespread and compatible geothermal resource database, the successful implementation of temporary artificial financial incentives, active and relevant research programs, and a generous amount of entrepreneurship. This paper presents a historical perspective of major geothermal project milestones as they were influence by significant government sponsored research and development programs, the development of the current stat regulatory framework, and various financial incentives. It is postulated that, in spite of the limited electrical market, lack of adequate power transmission lines, and reduction in the cost of fossil fuels, the combination of the factors described above prevailed and contributed to the growth of Nevada's Geothermal Industry.