Water and Geothermal Energy Development in the Western U.S.: Real World Challenges, Regulatory Conflicts and Other Barriers, and Potential Solutions

摘要

Water in some form, either potable or nonpotable, is needed for geothermal development. Water is in short supply in the Western U.S., and competition for limited resources will only increase in the future. Water-related laws and regulations applicable to geothermal projects may vary significantly from state to state. In addition, laws and regulations within each state may include inconsistencies or conflicts, resulting in substantial uncertainty as to which state agency or agencies regulate the resource, what laws and regulations apply, and how resources may be developed, used, injected or discharged for geothermal projects. This paper provides an overview of water use in geothermal projects; discusses potential barriers to the use of geothermal resources, water resources and reclaimed water for geothermal projects; and recommends development of a Model Geothermal Code to remove regulation barriers to geothermal resource development, and active participation by the geothermal community in water and reclaimed water planning, so that we can realize the vast potential of geothermal energy development in the West.