Geothermal energy is renewable heat energy from deep in the earth. Heat is brought to the near-surface by deep circulation of ground water through faults in the earth surface.Where are the geothermal fields located?
Several faults along the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada Contain this "hot" groundwater - temperatures ranging from boiling to as high as 442 degrees F. Geothermal fields are located at nearby Steamboat Hills, near Moana Pool, Lawton and further east at Beowawe and Dixie Valley. Geothermal activity in the Steamboat area dates back to volcanic domes that erupted in the area 2.5 to 3 million years ago.
What is this energy source used for?
The State of Nevada is blessed with bountiful supplies of geothermal energy which is a clean, renewable and economic source of energy. Currently there are 13 geothermal power plants in Nevada generating approximately 200 MW Of energy, enough electricity to light approximately 200,000 homes. Direct use of geothermal hot water is suitable for such applications as space heating, water heating, chilling, preheating water entering boilers, vegetable dehydration, evaporation, distillation, sewage treatment and even raising fish.
What is a Geothermal Heating District?
It is a practical way of meeting the space heating and cooling -- and other process requirements - of commercial and industrial facilities by building a pipeline with a supply of hot water heated by a geothermal source and return lines which loop through a specific site.
What is Reno Energy's Proposal for a Heating District?
Reno Energy has acquired appropriate geothermal rights located within the Steamboat Known Geothermal Resource Area, close to the intersection of US 395 and Mt. Rose Highway. Geothermal hot water (called brine) that is not used for electrical generation would be put into a heat exchanger that heats fresh, water for delivery to manufacturing, industrial, casinos and schools being built in the South Truckee Meadows area, The customer would be connected to the geothermal heating network through a heat exchanger, a metering device and branch lines.
How big would this heating district be?
There is an opportunity to heat and cool 30 million square feet of building space in the South Truckee Meadows area.
How does this heat source compare economically to other forms of available heat energy?
Natural gas is the area's most common form of heating. Geothermal heat can be delivered for an effective savings of 35-55 percent or more compared to natural gas due to its availability and efficiency. Customers who choose Reno Energy for heating and cooling can take advantage of this 35-55 percent savings versus natural gas and electric heating.
What other benefits are there to geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy and helps preserve the limited supplies Of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. For example, the 200 MW of electricity produced by geothermal power plants in Nevada saves an equivalent of 821,000 tons of coal, 3 million barrels of oil or 19.3 million cubic feet natural gas per year.The geothermal heating district is not only cost effective, but is the lowest cost alternative to preserving air quality. It produces no nitrogen oxides, no emission of particulate. no sulfur oxide and no carbon dioxide, the principle constituent of green house gasses.
The Nevada environment has already seen the benefits of geothermal energy in electrical generation. The 200 MW of electricity produced by geothermal plants in Nevada spares the air 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, 315 tons of nitrogen oxides and 11,000 tons of sulfur oxides which would be produced by a coal burning power plant of the same capacity each year.
Are there any other advantages to geothermal energy?
Because geothermal energy is a renewable resource similar to solar and wind power, customers may be entitled to federal, state and local tax incentives and credits.
The district is 3 to 6 miles from the Steamboat Hills, won't the hot water cool down?
Water retains heat very well. Using pre-insulated pipe will reduce heat loss to about 0.04 degrees per mile of distance.
Won't the geothermal water corrode pipes and boilers?
No. Reno Energy is using a closed-loop, heat exchanger system. Only fresh water will be circulated to the customer. The brine from the geothermal source will be used to heat an exchanger that will then heat the fresh water loop that is recirculated through the district.
Has this worked anywhere else?
Geothermal energy is being used for space and water heating in many countries around the world, including the U.S. The Elko School District and the Elko Heating Company operate geothermal heating districts. Approximately 250 homes and businesses in Reno use geothermal for space heating. The Boise Warm Springs District began operation in the 1890s and the system serving the Oregon Institute of Technology campus began operation in 1963.
Is there a market for this energy?
Due to competitive pricing, no environmental impacts and increased energy security, Reno Energy's proposed heating district has already received numerous letters of intent from area businesses waiting to use this low-cost heating & cooling alternative.
Can I really save 35-55 percent?
Geothermal energy is practically 100 percent efficient and Reno Energy is guaranteeing a lower market price than gas or electrical heating. Combine this with the various tax incentives for using a renewable resource, and in many cases the customers can realize savings as much as 55 percent over current heating/cooling costs.
U.S. Department of EnergyUniversity of Nevada, Reno, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Earth Science Laboratory, University Of Utah Research Institute
Ron Burch
Reno Energy
1010 Power Plant Drive
Reno, Nevada 89511Tel +1 702 852 2079
Fax +1 702 852 1807