AN ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS PROSPECT IN THE RATON BASIN OF SOUTHERN COLORADO, USA

The Raton Basin of southern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico overlies a geothermal anomaly with temperature gradients of greater than 3^oF/100’ as seen in oil and gas borehole temperature data. The anomaly spans much of the basin, with projected temperatures of 300ºF at 8000’ depth over more than 350 square miles. The anomaly is close to the city of Trinidad, to electric infrastructure, and close to a ready water source in the form of produced fluids from local coalbed methane operations. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. is undertaking feasibility analysis and resource assessment for an Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) pilot project designed to evaluate effective hydraulic fracture treatment, water management, heat depletion, and the potential for induced seismicity from geothermal operations. Results from the pilot would provide rare and much needed calibration for geothermal and economic models, and practical experience to validate the EGS process. Potential partners in the project are the DOE, the State of Colorado (through the Colorado Geological Survey), the Colorado School of Mines, and Global Carbon Solutions.