Colorado Explores Uses for Geothermal Energy Resources.Colorado Has the Nation's 4(th )Largest Geothermal Resource DENVER -- Please replace the release dated Feb. 8, 2007, with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions. The corrected release reads: COLORADO EXPLORES USES FOR GEOTHERMAL ENERGY geothermal energy: see energy, sources of. geothermal energy Power obtained by using heat from the Earth's interior. Most geothermal resources are in regions of active volcanism. RESOURCES Colorado Has the Nation's 4(th )Largest Geothermal Resource Recent studies by the Colorado Geological Survey The term geological survey can be used to describe both the conduct of a survey for geological purposes and an institution holding geological information. A geological survey indicate that Colorado's geothermal energy resources may be much greater than previously known. The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC OEMC Office of Energy Management and Conservation (Colorado Governor's Office) OEMC Original Equipment Manufacturer CAGE ) and the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS CGS centimeter-gram-second system. CGS or cgs abbr. centimeter-gram-second system. CGS, c.g.s. ) have partnered to best map the state's geothermal potential. Colorado is ranked fourth among states in terms of the number of potential sites, which is nine, for geothermal power Geothermal power Thermal or electrical power produced from the thermal energy contained in the Earth (geothermal energy). Use of geothermal energy is based thermodynamically on the temperature difference between a mass of subsurface rock and water and a mass potential in a 2006 Western Governor's Association report. With the advancement of geothermal technologies, Colorado may now be able to produce electricity, which has previously not been considered. Geothermal energy is an enormous, domestic, underused heat and power resource that emits little or no greenhouse gases and is a reliable resource. Geothermal resources range from shallow ground to hot water and rock several miles below the Earth's surface Noun 1. Earth's surface - the outermost level of the land or sea; "earthquakes originate far below the surface"; "three quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water" surface . It is accessed similar to drilling for oil and can be used for direct applications and power generation. CGS has identified several areas of the state where geothermal energy may be abundant. These locations include areas near Mt. Princeton outside of Buena Vista, the San Juan mountains San Juan Mountains Segment of the southern Rocky Mountains, southwestern Colorado and northern New Mexico, U.S. The mountains extend from southwestern Colorado along the course of the Rio Grande to the Chama River in northern New Mexico. near Ouray and Rico, and areas of the Raton Basin The Raton Basin is a geologic structural basin in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It takes its name from Raton Pass and the town of Raton, New Mexico. In extent, the basin is approximately 50 miles east-west, and 90 miles north-south, in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties, west of Trinidad. Expanding Colorado's geothermal energy resources was the topic of discussion by community, energy, private industry, utility, and government leaders at "Colorado's GeoPowering the West" conference held in Lakewood, January 31. The geothermal energy state working group was organized by the OEMC and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). "Geothermal energy presents an opportunity to expand renewable resources in Colorado that is often overlooked. This opportunity fits perfectly with Governor Ritter's promise to add a full mix of renewable energies for our state," said Tom Plant, OEMC director, while delivering the conference opening address. "Our hope is to have geothermal energy take a seat at Colorado's renewable energy table alongside solar and wind power." The potential of geothermal energy worldwide has been estimated to be 50,000 times the worlds' oil and gas reserves, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the DOE. Most of the U.S.'s geothermal resources are located in the western states. Colorado could have a significant part of that geothermal resource, but more research and data are needed to define its full potential. Geothermal energy could be a key player in helping ease pressure on traditional fossil fuel fossil fuel: see energy, sources of; fuel. fossil fuel Any of a class of materials of biologic origin occurring within the Earth's crust that can be used as a source of energy. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. sources. Unlike other renewables, which depend upon specific conditions to generate electricity, geothermal power plants can provide consistent base load power similar to coal power plants. Geothermal power is also virtually non-polluting, emitting very low or no greenhouse gases. "Geothermal energy is currently used in a few Colorado locations for direct applications, such as heating swimming pools or buildings, but no electricity is being generated," said Plant. "The Workgroup will deliver a Strategic Plan in June that identifies challenges and opportunities for geothermal power production and direct use." For more information: GeoPowering the West, Angela Crooks at 303-866-2309 Colorado Geological Survey, contact Matt Sares at 303-866-2073. |
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