The U.S. Department of Energyís Geothermal Reservoir Technology Program

Abstract

Geothermal reservoir engineering is an important aspect of the Department of Energyís Geothermal Technology Division, geothermal research and development program. Reservoir engi neeri ng-re1 ated research, a component o fall geosciences activities, is of particular importance in the context of Hydrothermal Reservoir Research. Three closely related research activities (Brine Injection, Reservoir D e f in i t i o n, and Caldera Reservoir Investigations ) are now combined under the more general heading of Reservoir Techno1 ogy. Scientific investigations, as part of the Salton Sea Scientific Drilling Program, also contribute greatly to the understanding of the behavior of hightemperature hydrothermal convection systems. With the creation of the Geothermal Technology Organization, where geothermal research will be cost-shared with industry, it is anticipated that a number of research topics will be brought to the point where the geothermal industry can rapidly put new technology into use.