Reply #5: I don't wish to [View All]

[necso]

leave the impression that geothermal-energy is water-hungry.

Generally, the goal of modern geothermal-energy production is to be closed-system: that is, heat is extracted; fluids are not. However, there are various historical variations from this model; and condensate can be attractive as a water source. There is also the minor issue of mass-loss through deposition and solute extraction (commercially viable extraction of minerals is possible in some locations, like the Salton Trough). And pressures need to kept up in the thermal-source (a particular concern where you're relying on permeability/porosity), rather like for oil extraction. (In either case if you remove "fluids" and don't replace them, production-dropoff and basin settling are possible; although the situation for oil is typically rather more complicated, as gas, oil and water are all typically involved.)

Speaking of the Salton Trough (a brine operation), there is apparently considerable room for growth in production there; although estimates vary considerably. However, long-term generation in the 5-6 GW range (or more) may well be practical.

I understand that expansion of production there is in progress, but that future expansion may await assurances that the production will be marketable.

Again, I'd be happy to pay 2 or 3 cents more per kwhr for (developing) electricity generated this way.

...

Oh, and Verizon sux.