USA, Nevada: Fallon Enhanced Geothermal System Site Could Still be Developed

Energy Department Eliminates Nevada as Test Site for Advanced Geothermal Research but Project Leaders Say Work Will Continue (Sparks Tribune)

James Faulds, the state geologist and director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, said that he thought the Fallon [FORGE] team, which he was involved with, put forward a strong proposal. He said the Fallon site would have explored three rock types whereas the Utah site would only target one rock type.

“We really thought we had the best project and best team,” he said.

For everyone involved, the question has turned to what happens to years of research, development and initial exploration at the proposed lab site in Fallon.

“The dust is still settling a bit from the decision,” Faulds said. “There is interest out there to do work on that site independent of the official FORGE [project].”

He said that it’s possible a private company could develop a geothermal power plant on the site. He added that there has already been some industry interest in using the team’s research to turn the site into a commercial project.

“We know that the site is very suitable for [an enhanced geothermal project],” he said.

Nathan Strong, who directs the Churchill Economic Development Authority,  said that in addition to developing the Fallon site for a commercial project, there is still talk of conducting research there. Western Nevada College, he said, is interested in continuing work on the project.

“There’s the potential to acquire money out there and kind of do our own thing,” Strong said.

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