A Framework for Evaluating Research to Improve U.S. Geothermal Power Systems

Abstract

The Geothermal Technologies Program of the U.S. Department of Energy has been developing a new quantitative framework for improving decisions about what research to conduct to foster more geothermal power development in the U.S. This work is highly quantitative and is being pursued along the following major fronts and fault lines: Improving estimates of the quality and quantity of power-capable geothermal resources in the U.S.; evaluating the current cost to produce commercial power at geological prospects having a broad range of quality; helping DOE-sponsored researchers to develop a broader systems view of what they are working on; and trying to enroll the assistance of U.S. commercial actors in helping to calibrate the estimates that DOE is making. On top of all of this, DOE is seeking better means to quantify certain risks involved in what its research programs are promising to deliver. This paper emphasizes progress on the initial tool of this framework: the GETEM model of geothermal power systems performance and cost.