Power Density in Geothermal Fields, 2020 Update

Abstract

We estimated and updated the power densities of 103 geothermal fields around the world. Power density follows a log-normal probability distribution. The mean power density of the population is 12.4 MW/km2 and the median is 10.1 MW/km2. Power density is a function of average reservoir temperature and correlates strongly with tectonic setting. Fault-based systems tend to be low to moderate-temperature and have low power density, volcanic arc systems tend to be moderate to high-temperature and have moderate to high power density, and rift systems tend to be high-temperature and have high power density. The one major deviation from these trends is that some high-temperature volcanic arc systems tend to have moderate to low power density which appears to be anti-correlated with temperature. One important reason for this may be that these volcanic arc-hosted systems tend to be found in more purely compressional settings which may have limited permeability. Area is very important to consider when estimating power capacity in exploration-stage fields. Areas should be chosen based on appropriate conceptual models with reference to analog fields and to the distribution of areas in operating fields.