Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change Geothermal is Having a Moment, Can it Deliver? Ep179: Cindy Taff
12 snips
Oct 2, 2024 Cindy Taff, a seasoned executive with 35 years in the oil industry, now leads Sage Geosystems, pioneering geothermal energy. She discusses the potential of geothermal resources beneath our feet and how fossil fuel techniques can aid clean energy. Cindy dives into challenges like deep drilling and regulatory hurdles while sharing insights on using geothermal wells for energy storage. Her journey from Shell’s VP of Unconventional Drilling to geothermal advocate highlights an innovative shift crucial for a sustainable future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cindy's Geothermal Pivot
- Cindy Taff, after 35 years at Shell, pivoted to geothermal energy.
- Her team at Shell estimated geothermal well costs but never drilled, leading to her eventual departure.
Geothermal's Resurgence
- Current geothermal relies on rare hot water pools (2% of resources).
- Next-generation geothermal targets hot, dry rocks (50% of resources), allowing wider grid placement.
Stimulation, Not Fracking
- Sage Geosystems uses "stimulation" with heavy, non-toxic fluid, unlike traditional fracking.
- This method minimizes truck traffic and environmental impact, appealing to regulators like those in Germany and California.