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Pilgrim Hot Springs Geothermal Pilgrim Hot Springs Geothermal g p gResource ExplorationResource Exploration
Presented by:
Gwen Holdmann
Alaska Center for Energy and Power University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Pilgrim Hot Springs Geothermal Exploration Project Overview
• Grant from Department of Energy is stillGrant from Department of Energy is still pending ($4.6M for 2-1/2 years)
P i t t t i ti th l• Purpose is to test an innovative geothermal exploration technique
• Partnership between Geophysical Institute and Alaska Center for Energy and Powerand Alaska Center for Energy and Power
• USGS assessment parallel but separately f d d ff t
Cosmos, August 2008
funded effort
Desired Outcomes for Project:Desired Outcomes for Project:• Develop an inexpensive exploration p p p
technique that can be applied to other low temperature systems in Alaskap y
• Make a determination whether the site will be economic to develop either forwill be economic to develop, either for power delivery to Nome or other local beneficial usebeneficial use
Cosmos, August 2008
ACEP Current ProjectsACEP Current Projects
Geothermal Resources QualityGeothermal Resources Quality
Generation capacity per unit cost depends on severalGeneration capacity per unit cost depends on severalGeneration capacity per unit cost depends on several Generation capacity per unit cost depends on several geologic and economic factors:geologic and economic factors:
Temperature Temperature (hotter is better)(hotter is better)
Flow rateFlow rate (higher flow rates are better)(higher flow rates are better)
Reservoir FrameworkReservoir Framework (uniform porosity better than fractures)(uniform porosity better than fractures) Reservoir FrameworkReservoir Framework (uniform porosity better than fractures)(uniform porosity better than fractures)
RechargeRecharge (partially natural better than all artificial)(partially natural better than all artificial)
DepthDepth (shallower is less expensive, thus better)(shallower is less expensive, thus better)
Location, location,…Location, location,… (relative to population, transmission(relative to population, transmissionsystem, development costs, etc.)system, development costs, etc.)
Production/Injection Well Flow DiagramHow Geothermal Power is Generated
Production Well Injection Well
© Geothermal Education Office 2000
Chena Geothermal Power PlantChena Geothermal Power Plant
Pilgrim Hot Springs
Pilgrim Hot Springs• Original resource assessment conducted
1979-1982 by University of Alaska1979 1982 by University of Alaska
• Included a variety of ground based surveys
• Resulted in 6 closely spaced holes drilledResulted in 6 closely spaced holes drilled at site (150ft to 1000ft depth), temps as high as ~200⁰Fhigh as 200 F
• ‘Best estimate’ of 500MWth from resource
• Did not identify source of geothermal fluid
Upflow vs. Outflow Zonep
PowerPower Generation
fromfrom Geothermal ResourcesResources Worldwide
Pilgrim
Things we have learned since 1979:• Power can be generated economically for
resources as low as 165⁰Fresources as low as 165 F
• Distance fluid can travel underground between upflow zone and surface expression
• Cost of energy increasing (again)• Cost of energy increasing (again)
• Preliminary feasibility assessment of Nome energy options (2007, AEA, NETL), suggests geothermal is an economically viable option
Cosmos, August 2008
New Geothermal Exploration Project• Grant from Department of Energy is still
pending ($4 6M for 2-1/2 years)pending ($4.6M for 2 1/2 years)
• Purpose is to test innovative geothermal exploration technique
• Partnership between Geophysical InstitutePartnership between Geophysical Institute and Alaska Center for Energy and Power
• USGS assessment parallel but separately funded effort
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineThermal Infrared Mapping and Analysis (Anupma Prakash Geophysical Institute(Anupma Prakash, Geophysical Institute
beginning summer 2010)
Cosmos, August 2008
Work grows out of prior research in mapping high temperature surface and subsurface coal fires
Cosmos, August 2008
Work grows out of prior research in mapping high temperature surface and subsurface coal fires
Cosmos, August 2008
Work grows out of prior research in mapping high temperature surface and subsurface coal fires
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineRepair and collect new data from existing wells (summer 2010)wells (summer 2010)
Well PS-3
Well PS-1
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineAdditional Ground based geophysical surveys - CSAMT shallow temperature mappingCSAMT, shallow temperature mapping (summer 2010)
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineConceptual modeling and economic analysis (winter 2010-2011)(winter 2010 2011)
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineGradient hole drilling program (2010-2011)
• 2-4 holes
• Approx 500 ftApprox. 500 ft depth
• Planned to try and pinpoint upflow zone
Cosmos, August 2008
Work Plan and TimelineConfirmation hole drilling program (2011)
• 2 holes
• Approx 2500 ftApprox. 2500 ft depth
• Confirm resource and innovative exploration techniques
Cosmos, August 2008
Reservoir ModelingMake predictions related to long-term development of the resource (winter 2011)development of the resource (winter 2011)
Cosmos, August 2008
www.uaf.edu/acepFor more information contact:
Gwen HoldmannOrganizational DirectorAl k C t f E & PAlaska Center for Energy & PowerUniversity of AlaskaTel: (907) 474-5402Tel: (907) 474-5402E-mail: [email protected]
