(GP/GT) for Additional Water Supply in the Lower Rio Grande

GEOPRESSURED DEVELOPMENTS
This section provides a summary of the current development status of
using the energy found in geopressured resources. Although this study is
directed toward direct uses, current information about power production
is included. The use of geopressured resources will probably have the
greatest potential for economic viability when an integrated operation is
installed. The hypothesized facility in Figure 7 identifies the various
applications under consideration. The actual installation will probably
be a mix of the applications discussed on the following pages.
POWER GENERATION
Power can be generated utilizing the thermal, hydraulic and methane
energy contained in geopressured resources. About 1 MW generated at the.
DOE Pleasant Bayou test facility located -50 miles south of Houston, TX.
This facility incorporated a binary power plant and two gas fired
generators to produce power, proving the commercial viability of this
type of application. The sale of power between 5 and 6 cents/kWh appears
to be the revenue needed for a profitable installation when properly
coupled with other applications. The use of a modified Pelton turbine to
capture the hydraulic energy has the potential to result in a decrease in
the breakeven cost of electricity of between 2 and 2-1/2 cents/kWh. This
assumes a flow rate of 24,500 bpd that can sustain the operation of a 500
kW generator.
Potential Industrial Applications
Various industrial applications are being considered that utilize the
thermal and hydraulic energy available in geopressured resources.
Information about potential and current developments are contained in
this section. The developer, location, development and any available
cost information are provided in the following discussions.
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