Powering the future: The heat beneath our feet.

The demand grows every year for more energy, and we are always seeking ways to generate it without harm to the planet.
As we try to get away from fossil fuels to generate more clean energy, there are always limitations in size requirements, and efficiency. Wind power only works when the wind blows and solar only works during the day, and both require a sizeable footprint.

Fortunately, the earth already has massive, stored heat waiting to be tapped. It is often released in volcanoes. It is estimated that there is enough under the U.S. alone to power the entire planet for 170,000 years. The process involved deep drilling, injecting water, which creates steam, which powers generators that can work 24/7. They just search for locations where the earth crust is thinner, and set up plants.

It has been done in numerous locations for years, but only recently has the drilling been able to tap a bit deeper into this resource. It will likely expand as the need grows and drilling technology improves.

Yes, geothermal technology looks promising for the future, even though widespread application may be another generation away.

US DEPT OF ENERGY

Arghh - so we'll all miss it then - unless we go to Hell!

MACKTEXAS said:

Yes, geothermal technology looks promising for the future, even though widespread application may be another generation away.

US DEPT OF ENERGY

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Breakthroughs in drilling since that article was published almost 2 years ago have advanced the timeline a bit. They have now come up with ways to drill through solid rock, and the industry is set to grow substantially. You're right though, it will take some time to become widespread.

I used to live near the world's largest geothermal field with 18 power plants drawing steam from over 350 wells. I never toured the plants, but I was friends with several who worked there, and it provided them with a very comfortable income.

As the industry grows, they are looking at utilizing the heat for even more than generating power. It can provide district heat for homes and businesses, and even winter heat for industrial greenhouses. It will be interesting to see how it all develops.

MACKTEXAS said:

Yes, geothermal technology looks promising for the future, even though widespread application may be another generation away.

US DEPT OF ENERGY

Click to expand...

I certainly hope that those pursuing this option will do so in a more careful and comprehensive manner than has been the case with wind and solar. They need to thoroughly examine all aspects of development, operation, and end of life resolution of the technology employed. These include a thorough assessment of cradle to grave costs, potential unintended consequences, and both environmental and societal impacts.

As has been shown, once the intere$$$$ted parties enter the picture, dispassionate objectivity goes out the window.

bobcat said:

The demand grows every year for more energy, and we are always seeking ways to generate it without harm to the planet.
As we try to get away from fossil fuels to generate more clean energy, there are always limitations in size requirements, and efficiency. Wind power only works when the wind blows and solar only works during the day, and both require a sizeable footprint.

Fortunately, the earth already has massive, stored heat waiting to be tapped. It is often released in volcanoes. It is estimated that there is enough under the U.S. alone to power the entire planet for 170,000 years. The process involved deep drilling, injecting water, which creates steam, which powers generators that can work 24/7. They just search for locations where the earth crust is thinner, and set up plants.

It has been done in numerous locations for years, but only recently has the drilling been able to tap a bit deeper into this resource. It will likely expand as the need grows and drilling technology improves.

Click to expand...

I've never thought wind power was worth it, particularly in light of how many birds are killed in the process. I believe solar power has great potential, but I think will hit an efficiency plateau at some point.
Geothermal power generation is certainly interesting, but I think is location dependent and as such, distribution may be an issue.

I'm betting on Fusion power generation, although the technology is complex and costly, and may be further away than all the click bait articles suggest.

which one have we got right so far? - no damage to the planet or persons ; no damage to the worlds atmosphere and wildlife etc etc etc