Geothermal handbook: PlanninG and Financing power Generation t e c h n I c a L r e p o r t 2 / 2

T A B L E 1 . 1
 
Types and Uses of Geothermal Resources
RESOURCE TyPE BASED ON 
TEMPERATURE
GEOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL 
LOCATION
USE / TECHNOLOGy
High: >200°C
Globally around boundaries of tectonic plates, 
on hot spots and volcanic areas
Power generation with conventional steam, 
flash, double flash, or dry steam technology
Medium: 150-200°C 
Globally mainly in sedimentary geology or 
adjacent to high temperature resources
Power generation with binary power plants, 
e.g., ORC or Kalina technology 
Low: <150°C
Exist in most countries (average temperature 
gradient of 30ºC/km means that resources of 
about 150°C can be found at depths of about 
5 km)
Direct uses (space and process heating, etc.) 
and, depending on location and power tariff 
offered, power generation with binary power 
plant
Source | Authors.
C h a p t e r 1