Enhanced Geothermal System
Almost one half of one percent of America’s electricity is powered by geothermal energy. It has been used in Western US since 1970’s and recent news show that the industry is pushing towards Northwest. Among other non-renewable energy, geothermal can provide base-load power which is something that even solar and wind power could not do. Now, more than ever, a new technology in geothermal energy is being studied. A new technology that could spring a huge impact to the power economy. A new technology that could probably change the world.
Understanding Geothermal
Geothermal is derived from two words – geo which means earth and thermal which means hot. Basically, geothermal energy is produced using the heat from within earth’s crust. The hot water produces steam and then the steam turns the turbine to produce electricity.
Actually, geothermal energy undergoes a similar process as coal and natural gas when it comes to producing power. However, unlike coal and natural gas, geothermal does not need to burn fossils to generate steam. Geothermal simply uses the natural hot steam within the earth’s crust. This makes geothermal energy non-renewable and clean.
Latest Development of Geothermal Energy
Currently, there is over 3,000 megawatts of geothermal energy supply across America. Although it is just a small portion of the overall electricity source, geothermal is now one of the hottest subjects of energy development. United States has started to increase geothermal energy investments. In fact, there is now more than 200 projects of different development stages that is currently on progress. This represents almost 8,000 megawatts volume. One of these projects is the new technology called enhanced geothermal system.
How does Enhanced Geothermal System Work?
Formerly known as hot dry rock geothermal, enhanced geothermal system refers to engineering techniques that are used to create an artificial underground hot water and steam. This will then be used to produce electricity.
Traditionally, geothermal plants generate power by exploiting the natural hydrothermal reservoirs within the earth’s crust. This, however, becomes limited due to the size of such natural reservoirs and the location as well. Enhanced geothermal system reduces these limitations by the creation of artificial steam and hot water in deep geological formations.
Although enhanced geothermal system is still in its infancy, the project remains to be promising. According to an MIT study, it is projected that enhanced geothermal system has the capacity to produce and install 100,000 megawatts in the United Stated by 2050. The U.S Geologic Survey states that Western United States has adequate geological resources for more than 517,800 megawatts of enhanced geothermal system volume, which is roughly equivalent to half of the present total installed electric generating capacity in U.S. from all energy sources.
Hence, when America sees this substantial potential, it would definitely make enhanced geothermal system one of the most significant and valuable renewable energy technologies.
