Geothermal energy, Power from the underground

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080225/NEWS/443354159

Geothermal energy, Power from the underground

James Yearling
high country news
February 25, 2008

RENO, Nev. - The thought of Nevada's cities - lighting up the desert landscape with neon lights, all-you-can-eat buffets and noisy slot machines - makes most environmentalists cringe. It's not just aesthetic: These gambling hubs are seen as gluttonous resource gulpers.

One of them, however, is gaining praise for its production of renewable energy. The city of Reno, north of Las Vegas, is a "hotspot" for geothermal power production.

Geothermal plants now provide enough electricity to serve all 200,000 residents. And energy analysts say Reno's success barely scratches the surface: Projects slated for the West could nearly double the nation's geothermal generating capacity in the next few years, according to a new survey from the Geothermal Energy Association.

Geothermal sources now generate nearly 3,000 megawatts per year in the U.S. - more than any other nation, but still only 0.4 percent of total energy use, roughly equivalent to two large coal-fired power plants.

...

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Deep Geothermal could produce energy just about anywhere

At a depth of 4 km, the temperature is over 300F. Pumping water into that stratum creates explosive steam, which can be profitably (in the energetic sense) used at the surface. It is a fairly simple energy technology, although drilling holes that deep pose practical engineering problems.

I think it's the only real workable alternative to nuclear energy for providing most of our primary grid energy. Sadly, it isn't a sexy technology, and its funding has been quite poor.

My only caveats are along the same lines as GliderGuider's -- the real problem we are facing is of system-wide sustainability. We are entering an era of complete ecological and technological overshoot, and simply getting energy is likely to be a non-solution.

--p!

[izquierdista]

4. That takes bucks

In that part of Nevada, there are many locations with hot water at a couple hundred feet. How hot and how deep are always the big questions in geothermal power production. And yes, it isn't going to get any more funding while the oilmen are in charge in Washington.

[speedbird]

7. a 1 km deep well costs how much? .n/t

[NV Whino]

2. Geothermal energy at this time has limited use

Not that we shouldn't use it when and where we can, but it tends to be very localized.

I live near the geysers in Geyserville. PG&E bought the geysers years ago thinking to tap into what amounts to free energy and then sell it for a profit. What PG&E discovered was the energy produced by the geysers was not enough to power a large enough area to make a decent profit. They have pretty much abandoned the project.

However, the energy produced by the geysers can power a local area. There is no "one answer" to the energy crisis. The answer(s) will involve: wind; thermal; solar; wave; and yes, petroleum and coal. But if you can take one community off the grid with thermal, why not do it. If you can power one section of the United States with solar, why not do it. Etc.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. U.S. Geothermal Resource Map

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/geomap.html

[NV Whino]

9. If by those maps you are showing that geothermal is readily available

yes, you are right. Is it viable is another thing entirely. As I mentioned, it's readily available at the geysers in and around Geyserville, but it is not viable for large areas. Not reason it shouldn't be used for the smaller areas, though, in my opinion.

I liken it to the small water districts in my area. The property I live on happens to have its own well, but all around me there are small groups of houses that have a community well. I see no reason this couldn't work for all kinds of energy.

[OKIsItJustMe]

10. Most people don't realize

Just how readily available it is, in how many locations. (I didn't until I did some research a few months back.)

[OKIsItJustMe]

8. Thermal Springs of the United States

http://map.ngdc.noaa.gov/website/seg/hot_springs/viewer.htm

[Dogmudgeon]

5. Crisfield MD Deep Geothermal Test Site

A small but interesting site for those with an interest in DGT.

http://rglsun1.geol.vt.edu/CrisfieldDeepGeothermalTest.html">Crisfield MD Deep Geothermal Test Site

It's reached a depth of 1500 meters and has established a ~32°C/km temperature gradient -- and keep in mind that the Appalachian part of the tectonic plate is relatively cool. The "standard" geothermal map posted above reflects this difference.



--p!

[phantom power]

6. The power is underground.

In my pants.