Induced Seismicity and EGS: The Cost of Isolating Facilities from Population Centers and Fault Zones
- Key words
- Enhanced Geothermal Systems; EGS; Induced Seismicity; California; Nevada
- Location
- California; Nevada
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 2010
- Session
- HDR/EGS; Induced Seismicity; Power grids; Social aspects; Ec
- Language
- English
Abstract
This study examines the potential impact of induced seismicity on EGS deployment in California and Nevada, based on potential drivers of public acceptance. A cost minimization model incorporating constraint on proximity to faults and to population centers is used to assess the overall affect of excluding sites where public opposition might preclude EGS development. Constraints that are based on current seismological research do not appear to significantly affect the overall cost of meeting an EGS target. However, more restrictive constraints based on extreme perceived risk might have a significant effect. The results indicate the importance of public education and risk communication as part of EGS development.
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