Conversion of Deep Gas Wells and Fields into Geothermal Energy Wells
SECO and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s Center for Energy and Economic Diversification worked on this project to identify optimum geologic and geographic sites for converting depleted deep gas wells and fields into geothermal energy wells to generate renewable electrical power. The areas of investigation include University of Texas acreage located in Terrell, Pecos, Ward, Loving, and Winkler counties.  The project includes the use of databases to initiate a broader study of the Delaware and Val Verde Basins of West Texas that will include subsurface porosity and permeability information, drilling and formation fluid salinity and subsurface maps of structure, lithology, and temperature regimes for development of a pilot geothermal plant. For additional information, visit the UTPB Center for Energy & Economic Diversification web site

Final Report 2007

GeoPowering the West: Texas Geothermal Outreach and Networking(DOE Special Project)
The U.S. Department of Energy’s GeoPowering the West is committed to dramatically increasing the awareness and use of geothermal energy in the western United States.  SECO contractor, Southern Methodist University (SMU), will coordinate the Texas geothermal collaborators. The group will include individuals and groups related to geothermal energy, the strategic players and organizations most capable of establishing geothermal in the public perception as an effective energy alternative.  The goal of this project is to increase geothermal awareness among Texas citizens, with an emphasis on the oil and gas industry and development of additional geothermal projects in Texas. DOE has recently added one year of additional funding to continue the work being done by the Texas Geothermal Collaborators.

In 2008, SECO/SMU will use previous mapping done by the Bureau of Economic Geology to assess areas east of IH-35 for geothermal energy. From earlier general assessments, there are potential sites for geothermal energy that could provide these urban areas with clean, Texas-made power.

Through creating a Texas geothermal working group of individuals, companies, schools, organizations, the intent is to move Texas from a state of little geothermal knowledge and consumption, to one where geothermal becomes an important component of the renewable energy industry. For additional information, visit this SMU web page .

Renewable Energy Technologies Demonstration - Sheldon Lake Environmental Center
SECO contractor, West Texas A & M University’s Alternative Energy Institute (AEI) is designing and installing solar PV energy systems, a solar hot water system, a wind energy system, a geothermal energy system and data acquisition systems at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Sheldon Lake Environmental Center in Houston. TPWD is coordinating and providing staff assistance to AEI on the design, site specifications, and installation preparation of each of the renewable energy technologies. The site is designated as a renewable energy technologies demonstration and educational site. For detailed information, see this Sheldon Lake State Park web site.

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