Geothermal Energy

William Glassley is the executive director of the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative. He has more than 30 years' experience in R&D in the earth sciences. The focus of his research has been in areas related to geothermal processes. He has held faculty appointments at several academic institutions. He was on the staff of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for more than 20 years. He currently is with the University of California. The author of more than 50 research articles in international journals, he has also participated on numerous national and international panels and working groups, and holds a doctorate in geochemistry.

"... a well-written all-inclusive updated version of the first edition… presents advances in understanding the economics and valuation of resources, particularly the expanded attention to life cycle analysis on energy returned on energy invested approaches."—Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 2015"This is a very well written book and is very useful for both scientists as well as technologists as the ready reference for geothermal energy. It deals with every possible latest aspect with basic concepts along with the mathematical description. It will certainly be very handy for the planner as well as students who like to tap the potential of alternate energy resource."—Professor Sandeep Singh, IIT Roorkee, India"Great introductory treatment of all aspects of geothermal energy – from sources and occurrences, to exploration and utilization, to economic and environmental aspects, and to the future possibilities."—Andrew Chiasson, Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, USA "This book provides a thorough, solid grounding in the basic physical science needed to understand geothermal energy. This is not always the case in writings on renewable energy! The reader of Glassley’s book will come away with a clear understanding of basic thermodynamics, geophysics, and geochemistry at a fundamental level. That leads to a deeper appreciation for the technological needs and challenges of geothermal energy systems. The book is quantitative throughout—an essential feature if one is to grasp the true potential of any renewable energy resource."—Richard Wolfson, Professor of Physics & Environmental Studies, Middlebury College, Vermont, USA"…provides an excellent general discussion of the major elements in this new aspect of geothermal energy development such as the "magnitude" and "characteristics" of these systems for the non-geoscientist as well as undergraduate and graduate science students."—Joe Iovenitti, Consulting Geoscientist, USA"This textbook will help educate the next generation of geothermal practitioners who will implement the solutions needed to grow geothermal energy so that it becomes a key part of the future renewable energy mix."—Trenton Cladouhos, AltaRock Energy, Inc., Seattle, Washington, USA

• Introduction. Sources of Geothermal Heat: The Earth as a Heat Engine. Thermodynamics and Geothermal Systems. Subsurface Fluid Flow: Hydrology of Geothermal Systems. Chemistry of Geothermal Fluids. Exploring for Geothermal Systems: Geology and Geochemistry. Exploring for Geothermal Systems: Geophysical Methods. Resource Assessments. Drilling. Generating Power Using Geothermal Resources. Low-Temperature Geothermal Resources: Geothermal Heat Pumps. Direct Use of Geothermal Resources. Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Use of Geothermal Resources: Economic Considerations. Use of Geothermal Resources: Environmental Considerations. Geothermal Energy Future: Possibilities and Issues. Synopsis. Problems. References. Further Information. Index.