This paper is part of a larger analysis that examined alternative water policies for states with active EGS development (Harto et al. 2014). The goal of that work was to better understand the regulatory structure that governs alternative waters in these areas and to assess the potential challenges that future EGS projects may face if they attempt to use such resources. Active development of EGS resources has historically occurred in areas that are water-scarce. Therefore, water availability has the potential to impact the long-term success of EGS development. California was chosen as the main focus of that analysis as it is the largest state in terms of installed geothermal capacity and has a complicated and unique regulatory structure for alternative waters. These waters represent an important but generally overlooked source that could be used by geothermal energy projects to replace the fluids lost during normal power plant operations. This paper shows that in general, regulatory frameworks for using recycled wastewater exist for geothermal projects. However, regulations for using other alternative water sources, such as produced water from oil and gas development, saline groundwater, and mine pool water, could not be found.
展开▼
