Sunday, June 18, 2006

Geothermal potential Colorado has abundant geothermal energy and the time may be right to exploit this resource, according to the Pueblo Chieftain. From the article, "Colorado's state geologist said that the state rests upon a vast energy reserve, but this time he's not talking about coal, oil or natural gas. Vince Matthews, who also heads the Colorado Geological Survey, attended a conference in September where Nevada's efforts to develop its geothermal resources were outlined 'and I thought, Gee, we've got that. In fact, we've got better than what they've got.' Matthews isn't the only one who thinks so. He says he's getting increasing numbers of calls from consultants wanting to know about Colorado's resources. They won't say whom they represent but interest is strong enough for him to put together a report outlining the state's geothermal resources along with a map showing where they are... "... new binary systems tap the source of hot springs below the surface and the hot water is used to heat coils with a gas like pentane or butane, which have much lower boiling points. Those high-pressure substances then drive turbines that produce power. That kind of water can be found in many parts of Colorado, Matthews says, including just about all of the San Luis Valley, the Arkansas Valley from Salida to Buena Vista, an area running from Canon City to Florence, and smaller areas around Pagosa Springs, Glenwood Springs, Durango, Hot Sulphur Springs, Ouray and Rico." Here's the link to a DOE report (pdf) about the potential. Category: Colorado Water 7:00:16 AM

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