Direct Utilization of Geothermal Resources

Geothermal Direct Use (GDU) is the use of geothermal resources to create valuable commodities from heat, minerals, and gases. The term GDU arises because commercial development of geothermal resources has historically centered on electricity generation, which indirectly uses the resource by converting the energy in its fluids to electricity at geothermal power plants. Direct use of geothermal resources therefore refers to all applications in which the commodity of value is extracted directly from geothermal fluids.

This report is a primer on the concept of GDU, why countries should explore its potential, with a focus on the utilization of geothermal heat, and how it can be developed to bring economic and social benefits to different sectors of the population. The report is written with energy sector policy makers and technocrats in mind but can serve to introduce GDU to all those interested in learning more about it