Description:
This paper presents an analysis of power generation
prospects from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS),
specifically, reservoirs with subcommercial permeability
enhanced by hydraulic stimulation. EGS is also known as
“hot dry rock” or “hot fractured rock” systems. The
performance under consideration here is the net electrical
power delivered as a function of time over the 20-to-30 year
life of a power plant. Although the parameters in this
exercise generally reflect conditions encountered at the
Desert Peak EGS project in the State of Nevada, United
States, the conclusions are applicable, at least qualitatively,
to any EGS project.