An industry-DOE cost-shared project is underway to evaluate the technical feasibility of developing an EGS power generation project on the eastern side of the Desert Peak geothermal field. An existing well (DP 23-1) is the focus of much of the Phase I investigation, including re-interpretation of lithology, acquisition and analysis of a well bore imaging log, conducting and analyzing a step-rate injection test, performing a "mini-frac" to determine the magnitude of the least principal stress, and re-completing the well in preparation for hydraulic stimulation in Phase II. In addition, numerical modeling has been undertaken to estimate heat recovery and make generation forecasts for various stimulated volumes and well configurations.

Most theoretical fundamentals of geothermal geochemistry were established by the mid-1980s, as were numerous practical applications of these fundamentals to geothermal resource evaluation and management. Since that time, these geochemical tools have been refined to various degrees. Advances are discussed in the categories of sampling and analysis, exploration and resource evaluation, and resource management. Noted developments include: widespread use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); advances in spectral analysis; new and refined chemical geothermometers (especially using non-condensible gas species); analysis tools that enable fluid inclusion stratigraphy; ground surface CO2 flux measurement; integration of geochemical reaction models into numerical reservoir simulation; scaling and wellflow chemistry modification; new reservoir tracers and flow-line tracer enthalpy technology. Emphasis is placed on commercially applied technology, but academic developments are included.