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The possibilities, problems, and engineering requirements of man-made geothermal systems are now being investigated in the hot granites underlying the Jemez Plateau of northern New Mexico. These contain many natural fractures which, however, at most horizons are well sealed so that in situ permeabilities are generally low. Hydraulic fracturing--a promising method of creating flow channels and new surface--has been accomplished at pumping pressures less than 175 bars at 760 m (rock temperature 100 exp 0 C), at 2040 m (rock temperature 146 exp 0 C), and at 2920 m (rock temperature 197 exp 0 C). The fractures produced have been essentially vertical and rate of water loss from them has been low. Additional experiments are now in progress at 2920 m and drilling has begun on the first of two holes expected to reach depths of about 3810 m and rock temperatures of about 250 exp 0 C. These will be connected at depth through a large hydraulic fracture to produce a circulation loop for geothermal energy extraction.