Geothermal energy in the United States

Abstract

Geothermal energy resources are hydrothermal systems containing water in pores and fractures. Most hydrothermal resources contain liquid water, but higher temperatures or lower pressures can create conditions where steam and water or only steam is the continuous phases. All commercial geothermal production is currently restricted to hydrothermal systems. Successful, sustainable geothermal energy usage depends on re-injection back to the reservoir of the maximum quantity of produced fluid to augment natural recharge of hydrothermal systems. This paper examines geothermal energy resources in the United States of America.