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A Groundbreaking Study Explores the Limitless Potential of Geothermal Energy in Texas"


image source : AP/ Business Wire
A groundbreaking study on the potential of geothermal energy in Texas has been published, drawing attention to the immense promise of this renewable source of energy. Geothermal energy, which harnesses heat from beneath the earth's surface, has been utilized for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties in hot springs. However, until now, the technology to extract this energy on a large scale has been restricted to areas near volcanoes.


Researchers from five Texas universities, along with the International Energy Agency and the University Lands office, have found that the new advancements in geothermal energy extraction make it feasible to extract this energy anywhere. The lead author of the study, Ken Wisian of the School of Geo-sciences at the University of Texas Austin, spoke about their findings in an interview.


Wisian cited three key factors that have made geothermal energy a more viable option: improvements in drilling speed and efficiency, advances in converting heat into electricity, and the growing need to decarbonize energy sources. Prototype tests of various drilling methods, including a limited version of fracking and radiating drilling patterns, are underway.


Wisian also addressed the concerns about induced seismicity, a potential side-effect of geothermal energy extraction similar to fracking. However, tests conducted by a startup company in the field showed no measurable seismicity, assuaging fears about the safety of the technology.


The minimum temperature required for geothermal energy extraction is 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be reached at a depth of 3 miles in Houston, and varying depths across the state. If Texas fully committed to geothermal energy, it has the potential to contribute a quarter of the state's energy grid, producing approximately 3 megawatts per well. With over 15,000 wells drilled annually at the height of the shale boom, the scaling potential of geothermal energy is immense.


In conclusion, geothermal energy holds a wealth of promise, offering a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional energy sources. With the latest advancements in extraction technology, the future of geothermal energy is brighter than ever before.

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