Pre-Exploration Geothermal Resource Assessment for the Raton Basin, Colorado ? The Rest of the Story

Abstract

Last year a preliminary assessment of geothermal power potential in the Raton Basin, Colorado suggested about 6300 MW heat capacity was available in a 2 km3 reservoir. Now with real data available, the proof of concept is more established, and a much higher capacity is seen. This paper shows the methodology and results of the research using literature, rock, and well data that suggests 2030 MW heat capacity in a very small (0.25 km3) engineered geothermal system. However, given the underpressured nature of the basin, including the formation of interest, a well-researched engineering plan, including further geophysical studies, is required to develop an economical, optimal engineered geothermal system.