A DOE Study Paves the Way for a Geothermal Revolution in the US

image source: (unsplash.com, Grad Prismatic Spring Geyser Tourism Pictures by James Lee)
The U.S. Department of Energy has unveiled a new study that highlights the limitless potential of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) as a widely adopted source of renewable energy in the country. Commissioned by the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the study reveals that the goal of reducing EGS costs by 90% to $45 per megawatt-hour by 2035 is ambitious yet attainable with the advancement of technology.

The Enhanced Geothermal Shot, an endeavor to unlock the Earth's seemingly infinite heat resources, seeks to provide a reliable, clean source of power for American communities and stimulate the growth of the domestic geothermal industry. With over five terawatts of heat resources in the United States, equivalent to the energy needs of the entire world, the study estimates that the country could harness enough of these resources to power more than 65 million homes.

"The United States is home to vast geothermal energy reserves just beneath our feet, and this analysis demonstrates that we can make it economically viable to extract this power and provide it to American homes and businesses," said Alejandro Moreno, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "Our tireless efforts in research, development, and demonstration will drive down costs and advance EGS technology, providing new domestic energy options and facilitating a transition to a clean energy future."

Geothermal energy currently generates 3.7 gigawatts of electricity in the United States. By tapping into resources not accessible with current technology, EGS has the potential to significantly increase this output. The study indicates that by 2050, the total installed domestic geothermal capacity could reach 90 gigawatts-electric, with the potential for EGS deployment throughout the U.S. West and several states in the east, including Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Enhanced Geothermal Shot is the fourth Energy Earthshot™ of the DOE and will build upon decades of research, development, and demonstration efforts, including the Frontier Observatory for Geothermal Energy Research (FORGE) in Utah. President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has also advanced EGS with a $84 million investment in four pilot EGS demonstration projects.

Discover the full potential of Enhanced Geothermal Systems by reading the Enhanced Geothermal Shot Analysis for the Geothermal Technologies Office on NREL's website. Immerse yourself in the exciting world of EGS and the Geothermal Technologies Office of the DOE.

source: (ENERGY.GOV)

#Geothermal #US #Earthshot #DOE

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