TED Talks Daily The untapped energy source that could power the planet | Jamie C. Beard
Sep 17, 2021
Jamie C. Beard, a technologist and climate activist, advocates for harnessing geothermal energy, a clean energy source lurking beneath the Earth's surface. She reveals the immense potential of this molten resource, hotter than the sun, and discusses innovative strategies for tapping it. Beard highlights the importance of collaboration between environmentalists and the oil sector to make geothermal energy scalable and accessible. With projects inspired by successful models like Iceland, she illustrates how we can pivot towards a sustainable energy future.
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Earth's Core Heat
- The Earth's core is as hot as the sun's surface, offering immense clean energy potential.
- This heat source remains largely untapped due to the Earth's crust acting as an insulator.
Geothermal Accessibility
- Geothermal energy is accessible globally, but mimicking natural geothermal conditions is key.
- Hot rocks, pore space, and water are essential for easy geothermal tapping.
Geothermal Innovations
- Innovations like high-pressure drilling, directional drilling, and rock fracturing enable engineered geothermal systems.
- These mimic natural geothermal conditions, expanding access to this energy source.