Elements that indicate a site may be suitable for geothermal electricity development include:
- Hot subsurface geothermal fluid with low mineral and gas content,
- Shallow aquifers for producing and reinjecting the fluid,
- A location eligible for permitting, and
- Proximity to existing transmission lines or load.
Geothermal fluid temperature should be at least 300°F (149°C), although plants can operate on fluid temperatures as low as 210°F (99°C).