Bill Gates recently visited Beaver County, Utah, to tour Fervo Energy’s Cape Station, which is poised to become the world’s largest enhanced geothermal power plant. In a LinkedIn post, Gates highlighted the project's innovative use of horizontal drilling techniques adapted from the oil and gas industry to access geothermal heat more efficiently. This approach allows for the utilization of geothermal resources in areas previously considered unsuitable for traditional geothermal methods .
The Cape Station project is expected to deliver up to 400 MW of power, with initial production of 70 megawatts slated for 2026 and full capacity expected by 2028. The project has secured power purchase agreements to supply electricity to approximately 350,000 homes in Southern California .
Gates emphasized that geothermal energy is a promising solution for delivering reliable, low-carbon power, especially as demand for affordable energy grows. He also noted that Fervo Energy's innovative approach offers employment opportunities for workers transitioning from the oil and gas sector, leveraging their existing skills in a new context .
The project's success hinges on continued support for clean-energy tax credits, which are currently at risk due to potential cuts in President Trump's tax package.
Without subsidies, scaling to 10 gigawatts a goal Gates believes is feasible may be delayed. However, bipartisan support and federal initiatives are boosting prospects for geothermal energy .
For more insights, you can read Bill Gates' full post on LinkeidIn
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Source: Billy Gates Email Correspondence
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