History of Geothermal Energy Research and Development in the United States: Exploration, 1976-2006

摘要

This report is one of a series issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (the Department) to document the many and varied accomplishments stemming from the Government's sponsorship of geothermal research since 1976. The reports represent a history of the major research programs and projects that have had a lasting impact on the use of geothermal energy in the United States or which promise to have an impact. The authors have not attempted to write the definitive history of the Geothermal Program and the $1.3 billion that were expended through 2006 on geothermal research. Rather, they have brought together the collective memories of those who participated in the program to highlight advances which the participants deem worthy of special recognition. In particular, this report examines the work done in one key area of geothermal technology development: Exploration. Companion reports cover work in other areas, including Energy Conversion, Drilling, and Reservoir Engineering. The history focuses on the period 1976-2006, when the Department of Energy was the lead agency for geothermal technology research as mandated by the Geothermal Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974. The earlier, groundbreaking work by precursor agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, Atomic Energy Commission, United States Geological Survey, and the Energy Research and Development Administration, is cited as appropriate but is by no means complete.