Interchange Recharged

Cutting the red tape around geothermal energy

Feb 13, 2024

Recent legislation in the US aims to boost geothermal energy production by cutting red tape. Experts discuss the potential of geothermal energy, new drilling technology, and the need for innovation to compete. They also highlight environmental concerns, advancements in AI and drilling technology, and the importance of collaboration with the oil and gas sector.

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Quick takeaways

US legislation may boost geothermal energy by easing regulations, aligning it with oil and gas rules

Geothermal projects face hurdles like long timelines, drilling costs, but innovation and collaboration can enhance efficiency and competitiveness

Deep dives

Importance of the Proposed Legislation for Geothermal Development

The US House Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed a bill that could greatly impact the geothermal sector by excluding geothermal development from stringent NEPA rules. This change would align geothermal with oil and gas regulations, potentially reducing red tape and enhancing production. Geothermal resources in the US, particularly on federal lands, hold significant untapped potential, with around 30-40 gigawatts awaiting development. Streamlining permitting processes could lead to deploying close to 9 gigawatts of geothermal power production by 2030, contributing to a cleaner energy landscape.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Geothermal Energy Potential and Regulatory Challenges

3min

Advancing Geothermal Energy Technologies with AI and Innovations

20min

Geothermal Energy: Environmental Concerns and Technological Solutions

4min

Focusing on Reducing Geothermal Drilling Costs and Industry Collaboration

5min

Recent legislation in the US promises to be a boon for geothermal energy production.

In January, the US House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a bipartisan bill that could have a big impact on the geothermal sector. Effectively putting geothermal on the same footing as oil and gas - by excluding geothermal development from strict NEPA rules – the bill could cut the red tape and boost production in the sector.

Geothermal has a lot of potential. The DOE estimates it could contribute almost 10% of US energy capacity by 2050. New geothermal technology, which uses horizontal drilling to drill multiple wells into geothermal reservoirs from a single location, is a promising start, but more innovation is needed to become cost competitive.

Joining us to discuss the legislation, and the technology that underpins the geothermal sector, are Dr Joseph Moore - Research Professor at the University of Utah and Managing Principal Investigator at Utah FORGE, a geothermal research facility managed by the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah, and sponsored by the DOE – and Lauren Boyd, Director of the EERE’s Geothermal Technologies Office, which is sponsoring the Utah FORGE laboratory.

Together they examine the cost, operation and scope for geothermal energy in the US.

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Interchange Recharged

Cutting the red tape around geothermal energy

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of the Proposed Legislation for Geothermal Development

Challenges in Geothermal Development Timelines

Geothermal Resource Potential and Technology Innovations

Cost Reduction Strategies and Collaboration for Geothermal Advancement

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts