Full Title: Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) Model Geothermal User Reference Guide
Author(s): C. Johnson, C. Augustine, and M. Goldberg
Publisher(s): National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
The Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) models, developed through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), are user-friendly tools used to estimate the local economic impacts of constructing and operating power generation projects. JEDI models cover a range of conventional and renewable energy technologies, including geothermal. The JEDI Model Geothermal User Reference Guide provides basic instructions on model operation and add-in features, discusses how to interpret results, and explains the model’s underlying methodology as well as the parameters and references used to develop JEDI’s cost data.
Based on project-specific inputs from the user, the model estimates job creation, earning, and output (total economic activity) for a given power generation project. This includes the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts to the local economy associated with the construction and operation phases. The model estimates project costs and direct economic impacts for both hydrothermal and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) power generation projects based on exploration and drilling activities, power plant construction, and ongoing operations. Project cost and job data used in the model were gathered from existing geothermal projects, a literature review, conversations with industry professionals, and existing models such as the Geothermal Electricity Technology Evaluation Model (GETEM). Local direct and indirect economic impacts were estimated using economic multipliers derived from Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) software. By determining the regional economic impacts and job creation for a proposed power facility, the geothermal JEDI model can be used to answer questions about the value geothermal power may bring to the local community.