Open AccessBenefit/Cost Analysis of Geothermal Technology R&D. Volume I. Summary of the Analysis
Author(s) -
Daniel J. Entingh,
Văn Thành Nguyễn,
Harpal Dhillon
Publication year - 1979
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/893020
Subject(s) - commercialization , geothermal energy , geothermal gradient , cost of electricity by source , electricity , environmental science , engineering , electricity generation , business , geology , power (physics) , marketing , quantum mechanics , geophysics , electrical engineering , physics
This is a summary report of the results of benefit/cost analyses of 113 research and development (R&D) projects being funded by the Utilization Technology Branch (UTB) of the Division of Geothermal Energy (DGE), Department of Energy (DOE). The full analyses of each of the three technology programs are presented in separate volumes: Vol. II--Geothermal Drilling Technology; Vol. III--Energy Extraction and Conversion Technology; and Vol. IV--Geochemical and Materials Engineering. The benefits were computed in terms of the savings resulting from the reduction in the cost of electricity projected to be generated at 27 hydrothermal prospects in the U.S. between 1978 and 2000, due to technological improvements brought about by successful R&D. The costs of various projects were estimated by referring to the actual expenditures already incurred and the projected future budgets for these projects. In certain cases, the expected future expenditures had to be estimated on the basis of the work which would need to be done to carry a project to the commercialization stage