Direct-Use+Geothermal+Engergy

The photos included in this collage were chosen to help depict direct-use geothermal energy. The two maps show geothermal “hot spots”, with one showing the plate boundaries and tectonic activity, and the other depicting the locations of geothermal reservoirs around the globe. The volcano and the geyser show geothermal energy in its natural, unharnessed state. The Roman bath and heat pump diagram are examples of ways in which geothermal energy can be used. Finally, the Idaho state capitol building, and the photo or Reykjavik, Iceland, are included as examples of places where direct-use geothermal energy has been proven to work.

**Oil Alternatives: Direct-Use Geothermal Energy ** 

** Lead Questions ** ** What type of oil alternative have you chosen to focus on? **

I have chosen to focus on direct-use geothermal district heating systems (GDHS).

**Which two projects illustrate the potential and challenges of this oil alternative?**

The two projects I will discuss are the district heating systems in Boise, Idaho, and in Reykjavik, Iceland.

** Context Questions ** ** What is the historical background to the type of oil alternative you are focusing on? **

Humans have been using geothermal reservoirs throughout the entire extent of recorded history. The American Paleo-Indians settled near hot springs, and used them for heating and bathing. They often attributed magical healing powers to the mysteriously hot waters. The Ancient Romans also took advantage of the geothermal resources surrounding Pompeii to heat buildings and treat skin diseases. The first geothermal district heating system was implemented in Boise, Idaho, in 1892. Two companies were competing for the city’s water contract. One claimed to have the technology to provide both hot //and// cold water, and as a result earned the contract. This “new technology” was the utilization of geothermal resources.

** What is the current state of the oil alternative you are focusing on? **

Modern direct-use geothermal energy has five primary uses: balneology (spa/bathing), agriculture (to heat greenhouses), aquaculture (to speed fish growth and breeding), industrial uses, like food processing and paper production, and district/space heating. As of 2000, direct-use geothermal provided over 11,000 thermal MW of heat energy to over 40 countries around the world. In addition to those 40, there are at least 35 more countries using geothermal heating for spa and bathing purposes, but have yet to implement any district heating systems. Most of the geothermal resources in the U.S. are located in the western states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Direct usage resources in the United States are estimated at about 60,000 MW of thermal energy potential, according to the EPA. Today, the U.S. is home to 21 district heating systems (with a total capacity of about 100 MW). However, the Oregon Institute of Technology Geo Heat Center recently published a study which shows that there are approximately 2,500 potential geothermal wells located within five miles of towns and medium size cities across 16 western states, and direct use of these wells for heating could displace 18 million barrels of imported oil every year.

**Global Geothermal Uses As Percentage of Total Use 2007**



** What people and organizations have been key actors? What other stakeholders should be noted? **

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP) has played a large role in the development of geothermal energy. According to their website, their goal is to “develop innovative geothermal energy technologies to find, access, and use the Nation's geothermal resources. ” The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has also played a significant role in the advancement of geothermal technology. They have worked with the GTP on a number of projects throughout the western United States, providing analyses of geothermal resources. On a global level, the United Nations University Geothermal Training Program (UNU-GTP) is a post-graduate education program that is operated in Iceland. Professional and researchers from countries with untapped geothermal resources are brought in and given six months of training by Icelandic and other global experts in the field.

** What broad social, political, economic and cultural trends will likely affect the development of this oil alternative? **

Rising oil and gas prices will have a large impact on the development of geothermal heat, particularly in the U.S. One of the main reasons this resource has flown under the radar for so long is the accessibility of (relatively) cheap, abundant oil. Society has not taken notice of other resources because they have not had to, but this is changing. The invention of high efficiency geothermal heat pumps (GHP’s), or geoexchange systems, will also impact the development of geothermal heating in the near future. The pumps rely on the relatively constant temperatures of the rock that lies just a few feet below the surface; no geothermal reservoir is required. This will make geothermal more accessible to less tectonically active areas. Even now, there are roughly 50,000 new geo-exchange pumps installed in the U.S. every year.



** What three quotes (from three different sources) help explain the background, current state, social ecology and broad context of the oil alternative you are focusing on? ** 1. “Worldwide, direct uses of geothermal water avoids the combustion of fossil fuels equivalent to burning of 830 million gallons of oil or 4.4 million tons of coal per year. ”  Source: []

2. “The Veterans Administration Hospital (Idaho) has enjoyed the benefits of geothermal district heating since 1988. The system exceeded its anticipated payback of 8 years by 3 years and has operated nearly trouble-free for over 15 years. In 2002 it won an Energy Star Award from the Environmental Protection Agency” Source: []

3. “The current utilization of geothermal energy for heating and other direct uses is considered to be only a small fraction of what this resource can provide.” Source: []

** Project 1: Boise, Idaho **

** What project illustrates the potential and challenge of the oil alternative you are focusing on? **

The district heating system in Boise, Idaho is an excellent example direct-use geothermal energy.

**Where is the project, and what are its key features?**

The project is located in Boise, Idaho, which was the home of the world’s first geothermal district heating system in 1892. Today, Boise is divided into four district heating systems, including the original Boise Warm Springs Water District System, and is the largest direct use geothermal system in the U.S. Geothermal energy is used to heat 366 buildings (which equates to about 4,426,000 square feet). Idaho’s capital is also home to the only U.S. capitol building heated by geothermal energy.

** Has there been any press coverage or research on the project? What has been of interest to other analysts? **

There has not been a lot of press coverage, but a lot of research has been done on the system. It is often cited as an example of energy companies’ ability to overcome challenges associated with district heating. Because it was the first system of this type, it faced a number of challenges, but has successfully managed to overcome them all. For example, the city water suppliers faced legal problems throughout the twentieth century, as a result of excessive withdrawal of geothermal water. The reservoirs were severely depleted, which created a number of problems for consumers. However, through development of re-injection technologies, the city has now become 100% sustainable (meaning that all the wastewater from the GDHS is injected back into the well, keeping water levels constant).

**Why is the project located where it is, and how has its location affected its development and impact?**

Boise is located Along the northern margin of the Western Snake River Plain, a northwest trending graben (a //graben// is a flat-floored valley bordered on both sides by faults). The volcanic and systematic facies are moving from east to west,and the geothermal water is held in a rhyolitic aquifer by a thick layer of impermeable basalt and clay that serves as a self-sealing aquitard.

**Who are the stakeholders, beneficiaries and losers in this particular project?**

The citizens of Boise are the primary stakeholders in this project, as they rely on the system for heating and cooling. Geothermal heat is used in both homes and businesses, and problems (like the overdrawing of the reservoir) affect nearly everyone in the city. The Department of Energy is another major stakeholder, as it provides funding for further research. The DOE provides grants and funds through the Program Opportunities Notice (PON), Technical Assistance Grant Program, and Program Research and Development Announcement Program (PRDA). The United States Bureau of Land Management also plays an important role in this project. It is their job to regulate geothermal leasing procedures.

** What kinds of expertise have been needed to advance the project? **

Knowledge in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, reservoir physics and engineering have all been central to the development of geothermal heat in Boise.

**How has the project been funded?**

The project was initially funded by the private water company. However, funding for further development has come primarily from the DOE, though the private sector has contributed some.

** What will create the most significant barriers to effective development of this project? **

In the past the most significant challenges faced by this project have been the result aquifer depletion. Boise has dealt with serious legal problems because of falling water levels (geothermal water was dumped into the Boise River), which caused problems for all geothermal users. This was resolved in 1998 by the Cooperative Agreement with the DOE, providing $870,000 for injection well. As a result, water levels have increased significantly, and recent upgrades have allowed the city to inject 100% of the used geothermal water back into the well.

** How, if successful, will the project provide an effective response to concerns about this sustainability issue? **

The fact that the city is able to inject 100% of the geothermal waste water back into the reservoir addresses a major concern regarding direct-use geothermal energy. Overdrawing from wells has been linked to a number of problems, like land subsidence and increased seismicity, in addition to the fact that it leaves consumers without heat. By injecting the fuel, and maintaining a constant water level, reduces these risks.

** Project 2: Icelandic District Heating Systems ** ** What project illustrates the potential and challenge of the oil alternative you are focusing on? **

Iceland is a global leader in the utilization of geothermal resources. 90% of homes are heated through geothermal district heating systems, and the abundant, indigenous resource has helped transform Iceland from one of the poorest European countries, to a country with a very high standard of living.

**Where is the project, and what are its key features?**

The largest and most sophisticated GDHS is located in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, and the surrounding communities.

** Has there been any press coverage or research on the project? What has been of interest to other analysts? **

Iceland has received a lot of positive attention for its advances in geothermal technology. Reykjavik appears on nearly every “top ten” or “top twenty” lists of the greenest cities in the world. Additionally, Iceland is often used as a model for other countries with geothermal capabilities.

**Why is the project located where it is, and how has its location affected its development and impact?**

Iceland is located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and is divided nearly in half by it. As a result, the country is very volcanically and seismically active, making geothermal energy a highly viable resource. There are a number of high-temperature geothermal areas located along the rift zone, as well as a number of low temperature (<150°C) areas throughout the country. The capital, Reykjavik, is located right along the rift.



** Who are the stakeholders, beneficiaries and losers in this particular project? **

The citizens of Boise are the primary stakeholders in this project, as they rely on the system for heating and cooling. Geothermal heat is used in both homes and businesses, and problems (like the overdrawing of the reservoir) affect nearly everyone in the city. The Department of Energy is another major stakeholder, as it provides funding for further research. The DOE provides grants and funds through the Program Opportunities Notice (PON), Technical Assistance Grant Program, and Program Research and Development Announcement Program (PRDA). The United States Bureau of Land Management also plays an important role in this project. It is their job to regulate geothermal leasing procedures.

** What kinds of expertise have been needed to advance the project? **

As is the case in Boise, knowledge in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, reservoir physics and engineering have all been central to the development of geothermal heat in Iceland.

**How has the project been funded?**

Most of the funding has come from energy companies, though they have received a lot of government aid. The oil crisis of the 1970s drove the Icelandic government to begin subsidizing the use of geothermal energy for space heating, and to set up a number of funds to encourage exploration. The Energy Fund set up by the government grants loans to companies for exploration. If the company receiving the loan fails to achieve the desired results, the loan becomes a grant.

** What will create the most significant barriers to effective development of this project? **

Iceland’s geothermal district heating systems have become so advanced that they have already overcome the most significant barriers. Like in Boise, the geothermal waste water is injected back into wells, reducing the risks associated with excessive drilling. Iceland has never had to shut down a production well as a result of overdrawing. Another potential barrier is the high initial cost of drilling and withdrawing geothermal water. However, this has been counteracted by government loans and subsidies. Arguments have been raised about the safety of geothermal energy, because Iceland’s resources are dependent on its location in such a tectonically active area. The island experiences a number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions every year, but most of the associated risks can be mitigated through the construction of well-engineered, structurally sound buildings.

** How, if successful, will the project provide an effective response to concerns about this sustainability issue? **

This project shows that direct-use geothermal energy is a perfectly viable alternative energy source, which can greatly improve the standard of living in areas that can harness it. Additionally, the Icelandic government saves $140 million every year, compared to what they would be paying to import oil, and the price of geothermal water (by volume) is approximately one-third of the cost of foreign oil. Therefore, although GDHS may have high initial costs, it more than pays for itself in the long run,

** Conclusion ** ** What, in your view, in brief, is the potential and challenge of the oil alternative you are focusing on? **

Whether or not direct use geothermal energy is a viable energy solution depends on two factors: cost and availability. The up-front costs of drilling geothermal wells are high, which makes finding investors a difficult task. Obviously, direct use works well in areas that experience a lot of seismic and volcanic activity. The challenge is to provide this same energy to calmer regions. However, with the invention of new, efficient heat pumps, and the prospect of Enhanced Geothermal Systems, we are closer than ever to being able to do just that. Source: Glitnir Bank (2007). United States: Geothermal Energy, Market Report, September 2007.
 * || **//Comparison of Hot Water and Oil Prices in 2007//** ||
 * **Global Geothermal Capacity & Potential ** ||
 * || Installed Capacity in 2005 (GW) || Potential (GW) ||
 * North America || 3.52 || 30.0 ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Asia || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">3.29 || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">42.0 ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Europe || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">1.12 || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">15.8 ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oceania || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">0.44 || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">9.0 ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Central & South America, Carribbean || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">0.42 || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">38.0 ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Africa || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">0.14 || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">14.0 ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">World Total ** || **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">8.93 ** || **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">148.8 ** ||

** What is your call-to-action? ** Spread the word about geothermal energy as a viable alternative. At this point, the knowledge simply is not out there; society has become so comfortable with its dependence on oil and gas heating, and as a result many people do not even consider geothermal heat as an alternative. Do some research; look into how much money a geothermal heat pump could save you in the long run. There are a number of online calculators that can compute potential savings based on a number of factors, including location and type of building. Do not just look at the initial costs, as most pumps pay for themselves within ten years, an usually last for 25 to 50 years.

**What story or statistic illustrates your main argument?** Iceland’s government saves $140 million dollars every year by harnessing their indigenous geothermal resources, instead of importing foreign oil. The U.S. spends more than $200,000 per minute on foreign oil. Using geothermal energy for district and space heating could significantly decrease this number.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Best Practices - Renewables - Reykjavik: Geothermal District Heating System." //C40 Cities - Climate Leadership Group//. 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.c40cities.org/bestpractices/renewables/reykjavik_geothermal.jsp>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Bloomquist, R. Gordon. "THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITAL DISTRICT HEATING SYSTEM, BOISE, ID." //GEO-HEAT CENTER//. Dec. 2006. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://geoheat.oit.edu/>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Burnham, Willis S. //Geologic Framework of the Boise Warm Springs Geothermal Area, Ida//. //Geological Society of America Centennial Field Guide//. By Spencer H. Wood. 117-22. Geological Society of America, 1987. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://earth.boisestate.edu/swood/files/2010/08/Wood-warm-springs-x-1987.pdf>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Direct Utilization | Geothermal." //National Energy Authority of Iceland//. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.nea.is/geothermal/direct-utilization/>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "The Energy Debates: Geothermal Energy | LiveScience." //Current News on Space, Animals, Technology, Health, Environment, Culture and History | LiveScience//. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.livescience.com/3134-energy-debates-geothermal-energy.html>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Geothermal Energy." //Climate Lav//. Mind Touch Enterprise, 2008. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://climatelab.org/Geothermal_Energy>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Geothermal Energy." //Geothermal Education Office//. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://geothermal.marin.org/geoenergy.html>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Geothermal Heating DIstrict." //City of Boise//. City of Boise. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Public_Works/Services/Geothermal/index.aspx>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Geothermal Technologies Program." //Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy//. U.S. Department of Energy. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/36316.pdf>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Morgan, Geoffrey R. "Renewable Energy in Idaho." //ACORE | American Council On Renewable Energy//. Feb. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.acore.org/>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Thorsteinsson, Hildigunnur H., and Jefferson W. Tester. "Barriers Andenablerstogeothermaldistrictheatingsystemdevelopmentin the UnitedStates." //Elsevier Science Direct// 38 (2010): 803-13. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://ourenergypolicy.org/docs/32/Barriers_and_enablers_to_geothermal_district_heating_system_development_in_the_United_States.pdf>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Unknown. "Direct Use." //Idaho Office of Energy Resources//. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.energy.idaho.gov/renewableenergy/direct_use.htm>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** "Heating Cost Calculator - EnergyExperts.org." //EnergyExperts.org - Home//. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://energyexperts.org/CalculatorsTools/HeatingCostCalculator.aspx>. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• ** Heimisson, Guðmundur. "Gummi's Take on Geothermal Energy." Personal interview. 21 Apr. 2011 **
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