Bill Aims to Unlock Next-Generation Geothermal Power
WASHINGTON – A new bipartisan bill in the Senate seeks to accelerate the development of advanced geothermal energy, a renewable resource that could provide round-the-clock power with minimal emissions.
The Legislation
In April, senators from both parties introduced the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act.
The proposed legislation directs the Department of Energy to fund research and support the commercialization of next-generation geothermal systems. These systems, known as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), utilize hydraulic fracturing—similar to techniques used in the oil and gas industry—to access heat locked deep within underground rock formations.
How It Works
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from beneath the Earth's surface. While traditional plants rely on naturally occurring hot water reservoirs, new technology allows access to hotter, deeper locations that were previously unreachable.
This advancement is significant because geothermal power:
- Produces low greenhouse gas emissions.
- Provides continuous, large-capacity renewable power, unlike intermittent sources such as wind or solar.
Risks and Rewards
The process is not without challenges. There is a risk of inducing seismic activity from the fracturing process required to create steam. However, proponents argue that the climate and energy security benefits far outweigh these potential drawbacks.
A Key Endorsement
Climate economist Gernot Wagner stated that moving faster and bigger toward geothermal is "all good news" from a climate perspective.