The untapped power of geothermal

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable and reliable power source derived from heat stored beneath the earth’s surface. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy is not weather-dependent and offers consistent 24/7 high-capacity power generation.

Whereas old geothermal was limited to specific geological locations with natural steam or hot water, the latest geothermal technology focuses on accessing deep, hot, dry rock anywhere in the US. It creates reservoirs by drilling into hot, impermeable rock, and injecting fluid to create a network of fractures for water to circulate and pick up heat.

This steam or pressurized hot water is then brought to the surface to spin turbines connected to electric generators. It is later condensed and reinjected back into the ground to sustain the reservoir.

The main disadvantage of new geothermal is the high startup costs for drilling, which account for approximately 30 to over 70% of the cost. There is also the potential for surface instability due to induced seismicity from fluid injection, which must be monitored regularly.

Geothermal currently produces only about 0.4% of the electricity in the US. It is estimated that by the year 2050, geothermal could provide over 8% of our energy needs, which are set to increase exponentially with the addition of new data centers nationwide.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as geothermal is essential for environmental sustainability and long-term economic stability. While non-renewables such as oil and gas provide for high on-demand power, they are finite and cause severe environmental damage. Ultimately, embracing renewable energy is not just environmentally crucial, but a strategic investment in a resilient and sustainable future.

Joseph Reitmeyer

Mount Prospect