Zero: The Climate Race The greenest reason to drill: clean geothermal power that's always on
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Aug 29, 2024 Tim Latimer, founder of geothermal startup Fervo and former drilling engineer in the oil and gas sector, shares his journey towards clean energy. He discusses Fervo's recent achievements, including a new power plant in Nevada and ambitious plans for expansion in places like Kenya and Indonesia. The conversation highlights the innovative techniques borrowed from fossil fuel drilling to enhance geothermal energy production. Latimer also touches on the financing complexities of large-scale projects and the evolving role of geothermal in the green energy landscape.
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Early Geothermal Use
- Geothermal's history includes indigenous hot spring use and spa towns like Bath, England.
- Early experiments with geothermal electricity started in 1904, powering four light bulbs.
Geothermal Plants
- Early geothermal plants relied on naturally occurring steam.
- Drilling expanded access to steam, enabling larger power generation.
Reinjection Importance
- The Geysers plant in California, initially successful, highlighted the need for reinjection.
- Reinjection of cold water maintains reservoir pressure and prevents decline.