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• 1. [Image] Environmental Monitoring for the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project, Annual Report for the Period July 1975-June 1976

  	For the last four years, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory has been investigating the feasibility demonstration of a technique for extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock existing at moderate ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Environmental Monitoring for the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project, Annual Report for the Period July 1975-June 1976 Author: Pettitt, Roland A. Year: 1976 For the last four years, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory has been investigating the feasibility demonstration of a technique for extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock existing at moderate depths beneath the surface of the earth. In the hot dry rock (HDR) concept, a manmade geothermal reservoir would be formed by drilling an initial borehole into a region of hot rock, creating a large fracture at the bottom of the hole, then intersecting the fractured area with a second borehole. The heat contained in this underground reservoir would then be brought to the surface by the circulation of water through the system. The objectives of this environmental monitoring report are to provide a brief conceptual and historical summary of the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Project, a brief overview of the environmental monitoring responsibilities and activities of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and descriptions of the studies, problems, and results obtained from the various monitoring programs. Included are descriptions of the work that has been done in three major monitoring areas: (1) water quality, both surface and subsurface; (2) seismicity, with a discussion of the monitoring strategy of regional, local, and close-in detection networks; and (3) climatology. The purpose of these programs is to record baseline data, define potential effects from the project activities, and determine and record any impacts that may occur. The development of the hot dry rock geothermal energy resource and associated energy extraction technology is a new field of endeavor, with no established environmental guidelines. It is doubtful if the problems encountered and solutions devised in traditional geothermal systems will apply directly to hot dry rock development. Therefore, the impacts that are encountered in this project will be of particular value in making future environmental Assessments for this type of energy resource development in other locations in different geologic settings. By the end of the reporting period, there had been no unacceptable impacts on the environment in any of the three monitoring areas Title: Environmental Monitoring for the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project, Annual Report for the Period July 1975-June 1976 Author: Pettitt, Roland A. Year: 1976 For the last four years, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory has been investigating the feasibility demonstration of a technique for extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock existing at moderate depths beneath the surface of the earth. In the hot dry rock (HDR) concept, a manmade geothermal reservoir would be formed by drilling an initial borehole into a region of hot rock, creating a large fracture at the bottom of the hole, then intersecting the fractured area with a second borehole. The heat contained in this underground reservoir would then be brought to the surface by the circulation of water through the system. The objectives of this environmental monitoring report are to provide a brief conceptual and historical summary of the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Project, a brief overview of the environmental monitoring responsibilities and activities of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and descriptions of the studies, problems, and results obtained from the various monitoring programs. Included are descriptions of the work that has been done in three major monitoring areas: (1) water quality, both surface and subsurface; (2) seismicity, with a discussion of the monitoring strategy of regional, local, and close-in detection networks; and (3) climatology. The purpose of these programs is to record baseline data, define potential effects from the project activities, and determine and record any impacts that may occur. The development of the hot dry rock geothermal energy resource and associated energy extraction technology is a new field of endeavor, with no established environmental guidelines. It is doubtful if the problems encountered and solutions devised in traditional geothermal systems will apply directly to hot dry rock development. Therefore, the impacts that are encountered in this project will be of particular value in making future environmental Assessments for this type of energy resource development in other locations in different geologic settings. By the end of the reporting period, there had been no unacceptable impacts on the environment in any of the three monitoring areas Close

• 2. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 5. Progress Report, June 1981

  	Updated information is presented on activities and progress in the areas of electric power plants, direct heat applications, deep well drilling, leasing of federal lands, legislative and regulatory actions, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 5. Progress Report, June 1981 Author: Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy Year: 1981 Updated information is presented on activities and progress in the areas of electric power plants, direct heat applications, deep well drilling, leasing of federal lands, legislative and regulatory actions, research and development, and others. Special attention is given in this report to 1980 highlights, particularly in the areas of electric and direct heat uses, drilling, and the Federal lands leasing program. This report also includes a summary of the DOE FY 1982 geothermal budget request to Congress Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 5. Progress Report, June 1981 Author: Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy Year: 1981 Updated information is presented on activities and progress in the areas of electric power plants, direct heat applications, deep well drilling, leasing of federal lands, legislative and regulatory actions, research and development, and others. Special attention is given in this report to 1980 highlights, particularly in the areas of electric and direct heat uses, drilling, and the Federal lands leasing program. This report also includes a summary of the DOE FY 1982 geothermal budget request to Congress Close

• 3. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1977

  	The feasibility of extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock in the earth's crust was investigated. The concept being investigated involves drilling a deep hole, creating an artificial geothermal ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1977 Author: Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory HDR Project Staff Year: 1978 The feasibility of extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock in the earth's crust was investigated. The concept being investigated involves drilling a deep hole, creating an artificial geothermal reservoir at the bottom of the hole by hydraulic fracturing, and then intersecting the fracture with a second borehole. At the beginning of FY77, the downhole system was complete, but the impedance to the flow of fluid was too high to proceed confidently with the planned energy extraction demonstration. Therefore, in FY77 work focused on an intensive investigation of the characteristics of the downhole system and on the development of the necessary tools and techniques for understanding and improving it. Research results are presented under the following section headings: introduction and history; hot dry rock resource assessment and site selection; instrumentation and equipment development; drilling and fracturing; reservoir engineering; energy extraction system; environmental studies; project management and liaison; and, looking back and ahead. (JGB) Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Project. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1977 Author: Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory HDR Project Staff Year: 1978 The feasibility of extracting geothermal energy from hot dry rock in the earth's crust was investigated. The concept being investigated involves drilling a deep hole, creating an artificial geothermal reservoir at the bottom of the hole by hydraulic fracturing, and then intersecting the fracture with a second borehole. At the beginning of FY77, the downhole system was complete, but the impedance to the flow of fluid was too high to proceed confidently with the planned energy extraction demonstration. Therefore, in FY77 work focused on an intensive investigation of the characteristics of the downhole system and on the development of the necessary tools and techniques for understanding and improving it. Research results are presented under the following section headings: introduction and history; hot dry rock resource assessment and site selection; instrumentation and equipment development; drilling and fracturing; reservoir engineering; energy extraction system; environmental studies; project management and liaison; and, looking back and ahead. (JGB) Close

• 4. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 11, December 1989

  	This issue of the Geothermal Progress Monitor (GPM) is the 11th since the inception of the publication in 1980. It continues to synthesize information on all aspects of geothermal development in this country ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 11, December 1989 Author: Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Teahnology Division Year: 1989 This issue of the Geothermal Progress Monitor (GPM) is the 11th since the inception of the publication in 1980. It continues to synthesize information on all aspects of geothermal development in this country and abroad to permit identification and quantification of trends in the use of this energy technology. In addition, the GPM is a mechanism for transferring current information on geothermal technology development to the private sector, and, over time, provides a historical record for those interested in the development pathway of the resource. In sum, the Department of Energy makes the GPM available to the many diverse interests that make up the geothermal community for the multiple uses it may serve. This issue of the GPM points up very clearly how closely knit many of those diverse interests have become. It might well be called an international issue'' since many of its pages are devoted to news of geothermal development abroad, to the efforts of the US industry to participate in overseas development, to the support given those efforts by federal and state agencies, and to the formation of the International Geothermal Association (IGA). All of these events indicate that the geothermal community has become truly international in character, an occurrence that can only enhance the future of geothermal energy as a major source of energy supply worldwide. 15 figs. Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor Report No. 11, December 1989 Author: Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Teahnology Division Year: 1989 This issue of the Geothermal Progress Monitor (GPM) is the 11th since the inception of the publication in 1980. It continues to synthesize information on all aspects of geothermal development in this country and abroad to permit identification and quantification of trends in the use of this energy technology. In addition, the GPM is a mechanism for transferring current information on geothermal technology development to the private sector, and, over time, provides a historical record for those interested in the development pathway of the resource. In sum, the Department of Energy makes the GPM available to the many diverse interests that make up the geothermal community for the multiple uses it may serve. This issue of the GPM points up very clearly how closely knit many of those diverse interests have become. It might well be called an international issue'' since many of its pages are devoted to news of geothermal development abroad, to the efforts of the US industry to participate in overseas development, to the support given those efforts by federal and state agencies, and to the formation of the International Geothermal Association (IGA). All of these events indicate that the geothermal community has become truly international in character, an occurrence that can only enhance the future of geothermal energy as a major source of energy supply worldwide. 15 figs. Close

• 5. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 1

  	Progress is reported on the following: electrical uses, direct-heat uses, drilling activities, leases, geothermal loan guarantee program, general activities, and legal, institutional, and regulatory activities ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 1 Author: Assistant Secretary for Resource Applications, Division of Geothermal Resource Management Year: 1979 Progress is reported on the following: electrical uses, direct-heat uses, drilling activities, leases, geothermal loan guarantee program, general activities, and legal, institutional, and regulatory activities (MHR) Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 1 Author: Assistant Secretary for Resource Applications, Division of Geothermal Resource Management Year: 1979 Progress is reported on the following: electrical uses, direct-heat uses, drilling activities, leases, geothermal loan guarantee program, general activities, and legal, institutional, and regulatory activities (MHR) Close

• 6. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 4, September 1980

  	The following are included: geothermal power plants proposed and on-line; direct heat applications proposed and operational; trends in drilling activities; exploration; leases; outreach and technical assistance; ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 4, September 1980 Author: Assistant Secretary for Resource Applications, Division of Geothermal Resource Management Year: 1980 The following are included: geothermal power plants proposed and on-line; direct heat applications proposed and operational; trends in drilling activities; exploration; leases; outreach and technical assistance; feasibility studies and application demonstrations; geothermal loan guaranty program; research and development activities; legal, institutional, and regulatory activities; environmental activities; reports and publications; and a directory (MHR) Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor. Progress Report No. 4, September 1980 Author: Assistant Secretary for Resource Applications, Division of Geothermal Resource Management Year: 1980 The following are included: geothermal power plants proposed and on-line; direct heat applications proposed and operational; trends in drilling activities; exploration; leases; outreach and technical assistance; feasibility studies and application demonstrations; geothermal loan guaranty program; research and development activities; legal, institutional, and regulatory activities; environmental activities; reports and publications; and a directory (MHR) Close

• 7. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1987

  	During fiscal year 1987, emphasis in the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program was on preparations for a " Long-Term Flow Test " of the "Phase II" or "Engineering" hot dry rock energy system ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1987 Author: Smith, M.C. Year: 1989 During fiscal year 1987, emphasis in the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program was on preparations for a " Long-Term Flow Test " of the "Phase II" or "Engineering" hot dry rock energy system at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. A successful 30 day flow test of the system during FY86 indicated that such a system would produce heat at at temperature and rate that could support operation of a commercial electrical power plant. However, it did not answer certain questions basic to the economics of long-term operation, including the rate of depletion of the thermal reservoir, the rate of water loss from the system, and the possibility of operating problems during extended continuous operation. Preparations for a one year flow test of the system to answer these and more fundamental questions concerning hot dry rock systems were made in FY87: design of the required surface facilities; procurement and installation of some of their components; development and testing of slim line logging tools for use through small-diameter production tubing; research on temperature-sensitive reactive chemical tracers to monitor thermal depletion of the reservoir; and computer simulations of the 30-day test, extended to modeling the planned Long-Term Flow Test Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1987 Author: Smith, M.C. Year: 1989 During fiscal year 1987, emphasis in the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program was on preparations for a " Long-Term Flow Test " of the "Phase II" or "Engineering" hot dry rock energy system at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. A successful 30 day flow test of the system during FY86 indicated that such a system would produce heat at at temperature and rate that could support operation of a commercial electrical power plant. However, it did not answer certain questions basic to the economics of long-term operation, including the rate of depletion of the thermal reservoir, the rate of water loss from the system, and the possibility of operating problems during extended continuous operation. Preparations for a one year flow test of the system to answer these and more fundamental questions concerning hot dry rock systems were made in FY87: design of the required surface facilities; procurement and installation of some of their components; development and testing of slim line logging tools for use through small-diameter production tubing; research on temperature-sensitive reactive chemical tracers to monitor thermal depletion of the reservoir; and computer simulations of the 30-day test, extended to modeling the planned Long-Term Flow Test Close

• 8. [Image] Geothermal Energy, Research, Development and Demonstration Program. Second Annual Report

  	The discussion is presented under the following section headings: Executive Summary; National geothermal utilization estimates; Federal Geothermal Energy Program objective; Federal Geothermal Energy strategy; ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Energy, Research, Development and Demonstration Program. Second Annual Report Author: Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council Year: 1978 The discussion is presented under the following section headings: Executive Summary; National geothermal utilization estimates; Federal Geothermal Energy Program objective; Federal Geothermal Energy strategy; Federal Program planning, implementation, and progress monitoring; organization of the Report; National progress and achievements; regional progress and accomplishments; fiscal year 1978 activities; federal program activities in fiscal year 1979 and beyond; Appendix A--interagency coordination and program management Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council (IGCC); and appendix B--interNational activities Title: Geothermal Energy, Research, Development and Demonstration Program. Second Annual Report Author: Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council Year: 1978 The discussion is presented under the following section headings: Executive Summary; National geothermal utilization estimates; Federal Geothermal Energy Program objective; Federal Geothermal Energy strategy; Federal Program planning, implementation, and progress monitoring; organization of the Report; National progress and achievements; regional progress and accomplishments; fiscal year 1978 activities; federal program activities in fiscal year 1979 and beyond; Appendix A--interagency coordination and program management Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council (IGCC); and appendix B--interNational activities Close

• 9. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1979

  	The Fenton Hill Project is still the principal center for developing methods, equipment, and instrumentation for creating and utilizing HDR geothermal reservoirs. The search for a second site for a similar ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1979 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1980 The Fenton Hill Project is still the principal center for developing methods, equipment, and instrumentation for creating and utilizing HDR geothermal reservoirs. The search for a second site for a similar experimental system in a different geological environment has been intensified, as have the identification and characterization of other HDR areas that may prove suitable for either experimental or commercial development. The Phase I fracture system was enlarged during FY79. Drilling of the injection well of the Phase II system began at Fenton Hill in April 1979. Environmental monitoring of the Fenton Hill area continued through FY79. The environmental studies indicate that the hot dry rock operations have caused no significant environmental impact. Other supporting activities included rock physics, rock mechanics, fracture mapping, and instrumentation development. Two closely related activities - evaluation of the potential HDR energy resource of the US and the selection of a site for development of a second experimental heat-extraction system generally similar to that at Fenton Hill - have resulted in the collection of geology, hydrology, and heat-flow data on some level of field activity in 30 states. The resource-evaluation activity included reconnaissance field studies and a listing and preliminary characterization of US geothermal areas in which HDR energy extraction methods may be applicable. The selection of Site 2 has taken into account such legal, institutional, and economic factors as land ownership and use, proximity to possible users, permitting and licensing requirements and procedures, environmental issues, areal extent of the geothermal area, and visibility to and apparent interest by potential industrial developers Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1979 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1980 The Fenton Hill Project is still the principal center for developing methods, equipment, and instrumentation for creating and utilizing HDR geothermal reservoirs. The search for a second site for a similar experimental system in a different geological environment has been intensified, as have the identification and characterization of other HDR areas that may prove suitable for either experimental or commercial development. The Phase I fracture system was enlarged during FY79. Drilling of the injection well of the Phase II system began at Fenton Hill in April 1979. Environmental monitoring of the Fenton Hill area continued through FY79. The environmental studies indicate that the hot dry rock operations have caused no significant environmental impact. Other supporting activities included rock physics, rock mechanics, fracture mapping, and instrumentation development. Two closely related activities - evaluation of the potential HDR energy resource of the US and the selection of a site for development of a second experimental heat-extraction system generally similar to that at Fenton Hill - have resulted in the collection of geology, hydrology, and heat-flow data on some level of field activity in 30 states. The resource-evaluation activity included reconnaissance field studies and a listing and preliminary characterization of US geothermal areas in which HDR energy extraction methods may be applicable. The selection of Site 2 has taken into account such legal, institutional, and economic factors as land ownership and use, proximity to possible users, permitting and licensing requirements and procedures, environmental issues, areal extent of the geothermal area, and visibility to and apparent interest by potential industrial developers Close

• 10. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980

  	Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1981 Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 m/sup 2/. In May 1980, hot dry rock (HDR) technology was used to produce electricity in an interface demonstration experiment at Fenton Hill. A 60-kVA binary-cycle electrical generator was installed in the Phase I surface system and heat from about 3 kg/s of geothermal fluid at 132/sup 0/C was used to boil Freon R-114, whose vapor drove a turboalternator. A Phase II system was designed and is now being constructed at Fenton Hill that should approach commercial requirements. Borehole EE-2, the injection well, was completed on May 12, 1980. It was drilled to a vertical depth of about 4500 m, where the rock temperature is approximately 320/sup 0/C. The production well, EE-3 had been drilled to a depth of 3044 m and drilling was continuing. Environmental monitoring of Fenton Hill site continued. Development of equipment, instruments, and materials for technical support at Fenton Hill continued during FY80. Several kinds of models were also developed to understand the behavior of the Phase I system and to develop a predictive capability for future systems. Data from extensive resource investigations were collected, analyzed, and assembled into a geothermal gradient map of the US, and studies were completed on five specific areas as possible locations for HDR Experimental Site 2 Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1981 Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 m/sup 2/. In May 1980, hot dry rock (HDR) technology was used to produce electricity in an interface demonstration experiment at Fenton Hill. A 60-kVA binary-cycle electrical generator was installed in the Phase I surface system and heat from about 3 kg/s of geothermal fluid at 132/sup 0/C was used to boil Freon R-114, whose vapor drove a turboalternator. A Phase II system was designed and is now being constructed at Fenton Hill that should approach commercial requirements. Borehole EE-2, the injection well, was completed on May 12, 1980. It was drilled to a vertical depth of about 4500 m, where the rock temperature is approximately 320/sup 0/C. The production well, EE-3 had been drilled to a depth of 3044 m and drilling was continuing. Environmental monitoring of Fenton Hill site continued. Development of equipment, instruments, and materials for technical support at Fenton Hill continued during FY80. Several kinds of models were also developed to understand the behavior of the Phase I system and to develop a predictive capability for future systems. Data from extensive resource investigations were collected, analyzed, and assembled into a geothermal gradient map of the US, and studies were completed on five specific areas as possible locations for HDR Experimental Site 2 Close