Geothermal Energy: Outlook Limited for Some Uses but Promising for
Geothermal Heat Pumps (Chapter Report, 06/03/94, GAO/RCED-94-84).

Growth in the use of geothermal energy to generate electricity will be
modest because most of the known economically viable hydrothermal fields
are slowly being depleted from use. Furthermore, the price of
electricity being generated from these fields is only marginally
competitive with that of electricity derived from other sources. To
improve the competitiveness of geothermal power, the Energy Department
(DOE) is supporting industry efforts to extend the life of the
hydrothermal fields, explore for new resources, and cut drilling costs.
Geothermal power production causes fewer, less serious environmental
problems than does conventional power production. Geothermal resources
suitable for direct-use heating applications offer an environmentally
benign resource alternative; however, their growth potential is poor
because of the high risk of drilling and the high cost of installation,
low price of fossil fuels, and lack of information on geothermal
resources located near large cities. Geothermal heat pumps are the most
energy-efficient way to heat and cool buildings in most parts of the
country. Their wider use could cut energy costs, conserve fossil fuels,
and reduce emission. Their use to date, however, has been limited
because consumers, contractors, installers, and utilities are unfamiliar
with the technology; installation costs are high; and neither DOE nor
industry has actively promoted them.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  RCED-94-84
     TITLE:  Geothermal Energy: Outlook Limited for Some Uses but 
             Promising for Geothermal Heat Pumps
      DATE:  06/03/94
   SUBJECT:  Renewable energy sources
             Research and development costs
             Electric power generation
             Electric utilities
             Cost effectiveness analysis
             Energy research
             Alternative energy sources
             Geothermal resources
             Geothermal energy
             Information dissemination operations
IDENTIFIER:  California
             Lake County (CA)
             Glass Mountain (CA)
             Fenton Hill (NM)
             Nevada
             DOE Clean Coal Technology Program
             Oregon
             China Lake (CA)
             Salton Sea Reservoir (CA)
             DOE National Energy Strategy
             
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