Great Basin Center Information
  The Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, part of the University of Nevada, Reno, conducts research towards the establishment of geothermal energy as an economically viable energy source within the Great Basin. The Center specializes in collecting and synthesizing geologic, geochemical, geodetic, geophysical, and tectonic data, and using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to view and analyze this data and to produce favorability maps of geothermal potential.
  Click here to view our field research equipment and capability

Click here to view our laboratory facilities

Click here to learn about or contact Center personnel

Click here to see a list of current and past funded projects

Background

Getting GPS Information in the QuadIn May 2000, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) informally organized the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy within the Mackay School of Mines in response to new congressional initiatives for accelerated development of renewable energy sources in the western United States. The Director of the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, Dr. James V. Taranik, was appointed in June of 2000. In July 2000 a Geothermal Energy in Nevada and the West conference was held at UNR as a kickoff for Senator Harry Reid's GeoPowering of the West program. Currently Dr. Lisa Shevenell is Director of the Great Basin Center.

Immediately following the July 2000 conference, U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) managers organized meetings with UNR faculty and stakeholders from industry and government in Nevada. As a result of those meetings the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy was encouraged to submit proposals to a DOE "Broad Area Announcement."

One of two Center proposals selected for DOE for funding in 2001 was  "Nevada Geothermal Resources Database and Web Site", that became the initial funding for this web site. Subsequent funding has allowed research into many aspects of geothermal systems. To see the results of this research, look at our GIS data layers,  papers and presentations, and current research.

Center Vision

The Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy to become internationally recognized as center of excellence in promoting the development of geothermal energy as an economically viable and clean energy source.

Center Mission

The mission of the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy is to work in partnership with U.S. industry to establish geothermal energy as a sustainable, environmentally sound, economically competitive contributor to energy supply in the western United States by:

  • Providing needed and timely information on geothermal resources,
  • Identifying key policy, regulatory, economic, social/cultural and environmental issues,
  • Identifying and evaluating new and emerging technologies for geothermal energy production, storage, transmission and use,
  • Fostering new scientific and technological developments,
  • Facilitating outreach, training and communication between geothermal energy stakeholders.

Center Goals

  • To accelerate the acquisition, organization, cataloging, and linking of critical data and
    information on the geothermal resources of the Great Basin.
  • To provide rapid and easy access to geothermal data and information for stakeholders involved in geothermal development.

Advisory Board

The Great Basin Center has an advisory board that facilitates strategic planning and helps the Center interface with stakeholders.

Location and Contact Information

Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy
Paul Laxalt Mineral Research Building, Rm. 259
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557-0138
Email: geothermal@mines.unr.edu
Phone: (775) 784-7018