Today, Explained

Drilling for clean energy

81 snips
Aug 11, 2025
This discussion features Dylan Matthews, Senior Correspondent at Vox, who dives into the exciting yet challenging world of geothermal energy. He reveals why tapping into this abundant energy source is harder than it seems, despite its potential. The conversation highlights innovative drilling techniques inspired by fracking and the bipartisan support fueling its growth. Listeners will also learn about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as a successful case study and the future job landscape shifting towards sustainable energy. It’s a must-listen for anyone curious about clean energy solutions!
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ANECDOTE

Power Plant Spa

  • Noam Hassenfeld found himself bathing in power plant wastewater at Iceland's Blue Lagoon.
  • The plant's wastewater powers turbines before cooling into a tourist hot spring.
INSIGHT

Always-On Clean Power

  • Geothermal produces near-zero emissions compared with fossil fuels.
  • Noam Hassenfeld notes it can run when solar and wind do not.
INSIGHT

Drilling Is The Hard Part

  • Dylan Matthews says the main barrier is drilling deep and cheaply.
  • He highlights a surprising bottleneck: inadequate drill bits.
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