The proposed Newberry Volcano FORGE site is in central Oregon on the northwest flank of the largest volcano in the Cascades volcanic arc. Beneath Newberry Volcano is one of the largest geothermal heat reservoirs in the western United States, extensively studied for the last 40 years. The large, shallow (200 deg C at less than 2 km depth), conductive thermal anomaly has already been well characterized by extensive drilling and geophysical surveys. Four deep (greater than 3,000 m) boreholes completed on the leasehold currently managed by AltaRock have conductive thermal gradients with bottom hole temperatures above 320 deg C. Three large geothermal pads and two deep geothermal wells exist on the leasehold as well as eight, 200-290 m deep monitoring boreholes that have been used for seismic monitoring and sampling of shallow groundwater. All these investments have built the scientific foundation that establishes the site as high EGS potential, demonstrates a record of addressing potential risks (induced seismicity, wildlife, groundwater, etc.), and has developed true support and engagement with the local and regional communities. The high temperatures at relatively shallow depths at the site will allow a greater variety of drilling methods to be tested and a greater share of funds to be reserved for non-drilling activities.

Abstract: Davenport Newberry (Davenport) has completed 8 years of exploration for geothermal energy on Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. Two deep exploration test wells were drilled by Davenport on the west flank of the volcano, one intersected a hydrothermal system; the other intersected isolated fractures with no hydrothermal interconnection. Both holes have bottom-hole temperatures near or above 315 deg C (600 deg F). Subsequent to deep test drilling an expanded exploration and evaluation program was initiated. These efforts have included reprocessing existing data, executing multiple geological, geophysical, geochemical programs, deep exploration test well drilling and shallow well drilling. The efforts over the last three years have been made possible through the DOE's facilitation of innovative geothermal exploration techniques. The combined results of the last 8 years have led to a better understanding of the history and complexity of Newberry Volcano and improved the design and interpretation of geophysical exploration techniques with regard to blind geothermal resources in volcanic terrain.

Abstract: Davenport Newberry (Davenport) has completed 8 years of exploration for geothermal energy on Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. Two deep exploration test wells were drilled by Davenport on the west flank of the volcano, one intersected a hydrothermal system; the other intersected isolated fractures with no hydrothermal interconnection. Both holes have bottom-hole temperatures near or above 315 deg C (600 deg F). Subsequent to deep test drilling an expanded exploration and evaluation program was initiated. These efforts have included reprocessing existing data, executing multiple geological, geophysical, geochemical programs, deep exploration test well drilling and shallow well drilling. The efforts over the last three years have been made possible through the DOE's facilitation of innovative geothermal exploration techniques. The combined results of the last 8 years have led to a better understanding of the history and complexity of Newberry Volcano and improved the design and interpretation of geophysical exploration techniques with regard to blind geothermal resources in volcanic terrain.

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: 2012 GRC Paper Geothermal Exploration at Newberry

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: Temperature Readings from 7 wells drilled to date by SMU 2012

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: Temperature Readings from 7 wells drilled to date by SMU 2012

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: DOE Geochemistry data from deep wells 55-29 and 46-16 at Newberry 2012

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: DOE Geochemistry data from deep wells 55-29 and 46-16 at Newberry 2012

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: Report of 4-D seismic Analysis by Apex HiPoint (Sigma3) 2012

Validation of Innovative Exploration Technologies for Newberry Volcano: Report of 4-D seismic Analysis by Apex HiPoint (Sigma3) 2012