Evolving Power Plant Designs Prepare American Geothermal Industry for the 21st Century

Abstract

Geothermal power generation in the United States of America has undergone an innovative revolution since the early 1980s. The design and operation of geothermal power plants continues to evolve, reflecting changes in power sales arrangements, legislative and performance incentives, environmental awareness, and regulation. These changes are clearly evident in plant design and operational characteristics, including redundant well field and plant equipment, non-utility ownership and operation, project financing, emission control techniques, and architectural solutions to the siting of facilities. This paper reports on current developments in North American geothermal power plant technology, with examples from plants in California, Nevada, and Utah, which provide insight into what will be required to meet the demands of the 21st Century.