Geothermal Resources, Drilling for

Abstract

EXAMPLES OF. THE LEARNING CURVE EFFECT The geothe~l industry has been slow'in developing hyd~othe~mal resou~ces fo~ a variety of reasons. These include institutional barriers, ma~ginal economies and technical uncertainties. Conservative investo~s and utilities have been reluctant to proceed until perceived problems are resolved and solutions are demonstrated. This paper argues that the industry is in fact on a learning curve and that significant advances in knowledge, technology and economics will be made as projects move forward. The learning cu~ve concept is illustrated with actual examples taken f~om Republic's ea~ly development experience in the East Mesa field and its related engineering design of a flashed steam power plant.