Power generation from geothermal resources : challenges and opportunities

Abstract

As we enter the 21st century, increasing concerns about global warming have stimulated an upsurge of interest in the use of non-fossil energy technologies for electricity production. As a result there is an opportunity for expansion of geothermal resource development. This thesis examines power generation technology for two distinct categories of geothermal resources: Hydrothermal and Hot Dry Rock (HDR). The thesis assesses growth opportunities for, and challenges to, the full deployment of geothermal power systems in the electricity market. It analyzes the key impediments that - have and will affect the attractiveness of geothermal technologies, describes policy measures that can be adopted to overcome these impediments, and draws conclusions and recommendations for R&D on geothermal systems.