Farewell to nuclear power: A new era of clean energy directly from the heart of the Earth!
Geothermal energy, this long-neglected renewable energy source, is on the verge of a revolution thanks to advances in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (AGS), which promise to transform the way we produce electricity in a sustainable and accessible way everywhere on Earth. the planet.
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Geothermal revolution: the unlimited potential of the Earth
Improved Geothermal Systems (AGS) exploit the natural heat of the Earthmaking it possible to produce electricity from geothermal energy almost anywhere. Previously, the use of geothermal energy was limited to areas where natural hot springs were accessible, such as in Iceland, where it represents around 25% of energy nationale.
From traditional to revolutionary: the impact of SGAs
So far, only 0.5% of the world's renewable energy comes from geothermal sources, mainly due to the geographic constraints of traditional methods. LMSs are changing the game by using hydraulic fracturingsimilar to those used in the oil industry, to create artificial reservoirs in hot rock formations at depth.
SGA technical process
In an SGA, water is injected into layers of hot rock, where it reaches temperatures above 200°C. This heated water is then brought to the surface through an alternative well, where it is used to generate electricity via turbines. This technological flexibility opens up prospects for the use of geothermal energy in a much wider range of locations.
Economic viability of geothermal energy by 2050
The rapid expansion of the geothermal sector is supported by significant public and private investments. The United States Department of Energy estimates that with an investment of just $25 billion, the geothermal sector could reach commercial viability by mid-century.
Cross-sector collaboration for geothermal innovation
Recently, a consortium in Houston of major oil companies, tech startups, researchers and environmental advocates explored how skills and technologies developed in the oil and gas sector could be adapted to geothermal energy. This collaboration marks a major turning point in the perception of geothermal resources.
Technical and environmental challenges of SGAs
Despite the promising opportunities for LMS, several challenges remain. Deep drilling is expensive and technically complex. Additionally, there are ecological concerns, including the risk of triggering small earthquakes and problems of water resources management, especially in arid areas.
Technological innovations mitigating challenges
Technological advances and operational improvements are helping to overcome these obstacles. Research shows that SGA sites can operate flexibly, allowing operators to adjust water injection and extraction as needed. This capacity makes geothermal sites real energy storage systemscomplementing the intermittent generation of solar and wind energy.
5,000 liters of pure water every day, the United States is revolutionizing access to drinking water with this technology which will eradicate this global crisis
This article explores the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems and their potential to revolutionize the global energy sector. Through continued innovation and substantial investment, geothermal energy is poised to become a major source of clean energy, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and strengthening global energy security.
Source : Energy.gov
