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Dr. Joseph N. Moore
12 December 16
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Natural geothermal systems are
characterized by a source of heat, fluid to
transfer heat from the rocks and a network of
permeable fractures. Although worldwide use
of geothermal energy is increasing, natural
geothermal resources provide less than one
percent of the global energy production.
Nevertheless, there is abundant and
compelling evidence that the geothermal
resource base is enormous and virtually
inexhaustible.
Hot, low permeability rocks with
temperatures suitable for electric generation
are present at accessible depths throughout
the world and offer the potential for largescale
development. Many technologies
currently used to create fracture systems in
geothermal environments were adapted from
methods applied to the extraction of oil and
gas from low permeability environments.
Reservoir development has relied on the