Geothermal Resource Development

Photo of a researcher conducting a test at The Geysers

Researchers conduct a tracer test at The Geysers

Geothermal resource development deals with finding, characterizing, and assessing the geothermal resource through understanding the formation and evolution of geothermal systems.

The work in this area builds on continuing geothermal research that investigates seismicity, isotope geochemistry, 3-D magnetotellurics, and remote sensing as exploration tools. Available exploration technology from related industries (e.g., petroleum, mining, and waste management) is evaluated for adaptation to geothermal environments.

During the coming year, the Geothermal Technologies Program will develop a suite of improved remote sensing, geophysical, and geochemical techniques and test them in collaboration with industry as reliable means to locate hidden geothermal resources. Cost-shared investigations of promising new sites will be conducted to verify the presence of resources. The Program will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Geological Survey on a national geothermal resource assessment.