Plumbing and Political Will: Low Temperature Geothermal Power Exploration in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

摘要

Pagosa Springs, Colorado has had a geothermal resource utilized by direct use heating and commercial hot springs resorts for decades. Recent exploration activities in the region have been funded and supported by federal and local government agencies to explore the potential for geothermal power in the region. The local political situation has previously hindered geothermal power exploration but recent support has proven necessary to the activities undertaken. Geophysical studies and surface geochemistry identified six potential thermal gradient drilling locations to the south of the Pagosa Springs downtown of which three wells were drilled. Temperature logs and geochemistry from these wells indicates a power producing geothermal resource is most likely found to the west of downtown.