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Geothermal Exploration Programs
A typical (simplified) Geothermal Feasibility Program consists of a phased approached which can be generalized:

• Phase 1 - Data Acquisition, Compilation, and Preliminary Resource Assessment
• Phase 2 - Site Reconnaissance, Geologic Mapping, Spring and Well Fluid Sampling and Analysis
• Phase 3 - Geophysical Surveys
• Phase 4 - Temperature Gradient Hole Drilling
• Phase 5 - Drilling Exploration Well(s) and Testing of Reservoir
• Phase 6 - Preparation Conceptual Plant and Wellfield Plans

The objective a geothermal assessment program is to determine the location of the area of highest enthalpy fluids at their shallowest depth, where there is adequate permeability to complete commercially viable production and injection wells for power generation (or direct use).  

Each successive phase in the program is based on the findings of the previous phase or phases in order to minimize risk and costs.        

Basic design and capacity of the intended power plant, binary or flash, will be largely dependent upon the character (principally temperature) and volume of the geothermal fluid delivered to the plant.

A comprehensive due diligence of the non-geothermal aspects of the intended project should be of the highest priority to the developer prior to entering the later geothermal exploration phases.