Is geothermal in our future?...... perhaps.....

[mikesim]

I ran across and interesting article about an enormous source of energy just beneath (almost) our feet. It is projected to possess enough clean energy to fuel the planet for 170,000 years. This geothermal energy is much more accessable in certain geographic locations throughout the globe. The drilling technology to access this energy will still need to be developed but it technologically feasible. A lot of work needs to be done to bring this into fruition but it is a very positive sign for the future.

Mike

MSN

 

[ST1100Y]

Possible...

Here they're trying to tap into a hot water layer in a depth of 3000m/9800ft...

Energiequelle Geothermie » Wärme aus der Tiefe| Wien Energie

Geothermie als Energiequelle -> CO2-neutral ✓ 100 % regional ✓ Funktionsweise & Fakten ✓ Projekte ✓ Definition

www.wienenergie.at

The project is controversial of course...
- massive costs
- imminent environmental impacts
- long term environmental ramifications

Just like the residential water to water heat-pumps where first promoted as the ultimate thing...
Till they found out the obvious impact on the shallow ground (drinking) water reservoirs...

Iceland are a leading in this, but they've hot water and steam bubbling out the ground right there...
And I'd have to think hard if I'd really like to live in an unstable, geological fracture area...

 

[seagrass]

There is a “proof of concept” geo thermal energy station in South Australia that has been running for some years.

I have forgotten the company name as it was established around ten years ago. Back then I was considering purchasing some shares in tge company as they were very cheap and I could see the benefit of the concept.

Seagrass

 

[DirtFlier]

The idea or concept of geothermal energy has been around for decades and decades but pretty much ignored.

 

[coaster]

I ran across and interesting article about an enormous source of energy just beneath (almost) our feet. It is projected to possess enough clean energy to fuel the planet for 170,000 years. This geothermal energy is much more accessable in certain geographic locations throughout the globe. The drilling technology to access this energy will still need to be developed but it technologically feasible. A lot of work needs to be done to bring this into fruition but it is a very positive sign for the future.

Mike

MSN

Los Alamos National Laboratory where I was employed, has been actively involved in geothermal research for many years.

 

[mikesim]

The idea or concept of geothermal energy has been around for decades and decades but pretty much ignored.

It has been ignored because heretofore it was deemed impractical with the exception of Iceland. Apparently geologists have located areas where access to the geothermal energy is close enough to the surface and where geologic strata make the exploitation of the energy practical. A lot of work needs to be done but it sounds encouraging. We probably won't see it in our lifetimes though.

Mike

 

[Coyote Chris]

I think in some areas, it may be cost effective. Like Solar, especially local solar. But the reality is that at this point in history, responsible countries are looking at small stackable high tech cooled nuclear energy. The biggest problem with cheep energy is that it doesnt lower the costs...it enables more consumption. There is this bizarre industry called Crypto currency that consumes huge amounts of energy. Just Like AI does. Gas is the same way...its ridiculasly cheep in the US, which encourages motor homes, big pickups , and gallons per mile boats. Look at the Federal gas tax, when and who was the last pres/congress to raise it, and it was not indexed to inflation. We have met the enemy, and he is us.