 |
|
Arizona’s Geothermal ResourcesWhile geothermal resources are not as recognized in Arizona as they are in other western states, several locations have promise—even for electrical generation—and even more exists have potential for direct use applications. The GeoPowering the West initiative of the US Department of Energy recently published a new map of geothermal resources in Arizona. The data behind this map come in part from a geothermal database of thermal wells or springs prepared by James Witcher. This report reports that almost all of Arizona wells and springs found at elevations below 1,524 m mean-sea level (5,000 feet) exceed 20°C. That is, all the wells in this location produce warm water.
Even a quick look at this new map reveals that most thermal wells occur
in the southern part of the state, that is, south of the Colorado Plateau,
where many irrigation wells tap deep-seated aquifers that are overlain by
thermally-insulating sediments in highly-developed agricultural areas. As
Witcher points out, these thermal fluids are more valued for irrigation
of field crops, municipal water supply and industrial uses than for the
heat carried by the waters, but the potential does exist for other applications.
Currently, Arizona has two direct uses of geothermal, recreational hot springs
and aquaculture. There is considerable potential for direct-heat utilization
in the agricultural sector, spas, district heating, resorts, especially
where resource and existing users coexist. The following is a listing of
several of these locations by county. |
Cochise CountyMcNealLatitude: 31.5506 Longitude: 109.625 Population: 120 Resource Temperature: 53.9°C (129°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 5 miles of McNeal. San Simon Latitude: 32.2708 Longitude: 109.2625 Population: 519 Resource Temperature: 134°C (273.2°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 3 miles of San Simon. Sierra Vista Latitude: 31.4719 Longitude: 110.3522 Population: 37300 Resource Temperature: 68°C (154.4°F) Remarks: 6 wells. Located within 5 miles of Sierra Vista. Graham CountyPima / GlenbarLatitude: 32.9147 Longitude: 109.8397 Population: 1725 Resource Temperature: 59°C (138.2°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 2 miles of Pima. Greenlee CountyCliftonLatitude: 33.0800 Longitude: 109.3022 Population: 2840 Resource Temperature: 71°C (159.8°F) Remarks: 2 springs. Located within 3 miles of Clifton. Potential exists for immediate temperatures of 100 to 150°C. Guthrie Latitude: 32.9736 Longitude: 109.3494 Population: Rural Resource Temperature: 84°C (183.2°F) Remarks: 1 spring. Located within 5 miles of Guthrie. Potential exists for immediate temperatures of 100 to 150°C. Maricopa CountyAvondaleLatitude: 33.4256 Longitude: 112.3628 Population: 17595 Resource Temperature: 50°C (122°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 0.5 miles of Avondale. Litchfield Park Latitude: 33.4964 Longitude: 112.3742 Population: 3303 Resource Temperature: 56.1°C (133°F) Remarks: 3 wells. Located within 5 miles of Litchfield Park. Mesa Latitude: 33.4181 Longitude: 111.6897 Population: 310800 Resource Temperature: 54.4°C (129.9°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 0.5 miles of Mesa. Perryville Latitude: 33.4497 Longitude: 112.4858 Population: Rural Resource Temperature: 75°C (167°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 3 miles of Perryville. Pima CountyTucsonLatitude: 32.1525 Longitude: 110.8861 Population: 435400 Resource Temperature: 52.2°C (126°F) Remarks: 1 well. Located within 4 miles of Tucson. Pinal CountyCoolidgeLatitude: 32.9311 Longitude: 111.5500 Population: 6927 Resource Temperature: 71.7°C (161.1°F) Remarks: 8 wells. Located within 5 miles of Coolidge. Yavapai CountyMorristownLatitude: 33.9856 Longitude: 112.3597 Population: 400 Resource Temperature: 55.4°C (131.7°F) Remarks: 1 spring. Located within 1 mile of Morristown. Yuma CountyWellton / RollLatitude: 32.7403 Longitude: 114.0686 Population: 1066 Resource Temperature: 60°C (140°F) Remarks: 1 spring. Located within 5 miles of Wellton and 3 miles of Roll. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |