geothermal
Newsletter
Credit: Markus Distelrath/Pixabay
New fracking-inspired technology could revolutionize renewable energy storage
Three Houston startups are using a novel approach similar to fracking to create underground storage for renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on lithium batteries.
In short:
- Sage Geosystems is developing the first commercial geothermal energy storage system in South Texas, using pressurized water in underground caverns.
- The technique involves injecting water underground, which is then released to generate power during peak demand, offering up to 10 hours of energy storage.
- This system, while still in early stages, could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which currently dominate the energy storage market.
Key quote:
"There is a growing need for technologies that can adjust generation levels to maintain grid stability. The technology Sage is developing has the potential to be a game changer."
— Yiyi Zhou, an energy analyst at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Renewable energy storage is crucial for maintaining grid stability as solar and wind power become more prevalent. This technology could diversify storage options, reducing dependency on scarce lithium resources.
Related: Energy storage surge reshapes US electricity landscape
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Credit: Alexandra Gl/Big Stock Photo
Networked geothermal systems could transform urban energy use
Geothermal energy, a stable and sustainable resource beneath our feet, is gaining attention as U.S. utilities explore its potential to replace natural gas in heating and cooling buildings.
In short:
- Geothermal systems use the Earth's consistent underground temperature to heat and cool buildings efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with natural gas use.
- Eversource Energy has launched the first U.S. networked geothermal neighborhood in Framingham, Massachusetts, signaling a shift in how utilities approach energy distribution.
- Networked geothermal systems are highly efficient, with a coefficient of performance (Cop) of 6, compared to less than 1 for gas furnaces, offering a promising alternative for energy sustainability.
Key quote:
“If you’re in a situation where you’re going to need to upgrade your pipe anyway, or replace it, you maybe think about: do I replace it instead with a pipe that doesn’t require fuel, and it’s naturally replenishing energy from the ground?”
— Holly Braun, business development and innovation manager at NW Natural
Why this matters:
Transitioning to geothermal energy could significantly reduce carbon emissions from buildings, which account for a third of the U.S.'s greenhouse gas emissions. As utilities face regulatory pressures to phase out natural gas, networked geothermal offers a cleaner and potentially safer alternative.
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Fracking technique advances clean energy
A new deal between Southern California Edison and Fervo Energy leverages fracking technology to harness geothermal energy for carbon-free electricity generation.
In short:
- Fervo Energy uses fracking to extract underground heat for geothermal power, offering a cleaner energy alternative to fossil fuels.
- The enhanced geothermal plant, operational by 2028, will add 400 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to the grid.
- This technology can operate continuously, providing a reliable clean energy source unlike solar or wind.
Key quote:
“It shows the important role that geothermal is going to play on the grid as a 24/7 carbon-free energy resource.”
— Tim Latimer, CEO of Fervo Energy
Why this matters:
Enhanced geothermal energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide stable, continuous power. This innovation supports the shift towards a sustainable energy future, mitigating the impact of climate change.
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Credit: Jason Mavrommatis/Unsplash
New geothermal systems may be key to sustainable buildings
A new networked geothermal system in Framingham, Massachusetts, shows promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using the Earth's stable temperature to heat and cool buildings efficiently.
In short:
- Eversource Energy launched the first U.S. networked geothermal neighborhood in Framingham, utilizing geothermal heat pumps to serve 36 buildings.
- Geothermal systems provide a stable, efficient alternative to gas heating, with a “coefficient of performance,” or COP, of 6 compared to gas furnaces’ less than 1.
- The network's modular design allows for scalable implementation, potentially transforming utilities from gas suppliers to thermal energy providers.
Key quote:
“Every building sits on a thermal asset. I really don’t think there’s any more efficient or better way to heat and cool our homes.”
— Cameron Best, director of business development at Brightcore Energy
Why this matters:
Geothermal energy offers a sustainable solution to decarbonize buildings, a sector responsible for about a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Widespread adoption of this technology could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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Credit: joegough/Big Stock Photo
Massachusetts town pilots geothermal heating and cooling system
A neighborhood in Framingham, Massachusetts, is implementing a pilot program to connect homes and businesses to a communal geothermal heating and cooling system.
In short:
- The new system aims to reduce energy bills by 20% on average for participants, despite switching from natural gas to electricity.
- The geothermal system uses an underground loop filled with water and antifreeze to transfer heat, with each home having a heat pump to regulate temperature.
- The project could serve as a model for similar initiatives, supported by local emissions laws and utility company Eversource’s net zero goals.
Key quote:
“As soon as they told me about it, I bought in 100%.”
— Jennifer Mauchan, local resident
Why this matters:
Adopting communal geothermal systems can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs. If successful, this model could be replicated in other communities, aiding broader efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy use.
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Photo by Tommy Kwak on Unsplash
Geothermal potential in northern, western Europe flagged as lawmakers back plan
Northern Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are key potential locations for boosting the supply of geothermal energy, as EU lawmakers backed a strategy to boost the bloc’s development of the renewable source.
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Google taps hot rocks to cool climate
Corporate America has learned to love renewables. Now, it is beginning to dabble in next-generation climate solutions.
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