Securing Fluid Resources for Geothermal Projects in a World of Water Scarcity

• Main Author: Kathleen Callison
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-08-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: geothermal; water; geothermal fluids; geothermal law; water law; oil and gas; reclaimed water; recycled water; power production; electric power; alternative energy
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/8/1485/

Water in some form plays a critical role in geothermal projects, given current technology. This paper explores inconsistencies in treatment of water and geothermal resources at the federal and state levels, and discusses legal and practical issues the developer should consider, relating to use of water, geothermal resources, and alternative sources of water supply. The developer is urged to incorporate water resource planning into project planning beginning at the project feasibility stage, and to seek creative solutions, possibly in cooperation with key stakeholders in the project area, to secure needed fluid resources.