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Geothermal power is getting a closer look from several directions. These new studies are based on "hot rocks" at temperatures of around 150 degrees C (about 300 degrees F) that can be reached by drilling a couple of miles into the earth's crust. This is a much more involved approach than dealing with surface or near-surface geothermal activity, as is used for much of Iceland's power generation.
Google, which has an interest in affordable power to run its growing numbers of server farms, is heavily investing (through Google.org) in research into the development of geothermal power. In the US, Google is the largest funding source for geothermal research.
At the same time, the Australian government is investing nearly four times as much as Google to develop geothermal power for Australia. "An Australian Geothermal Energy Association report this week forecast it could potentially produce 2,200 megawatts of baseload power by 2020, adding that represented up to 40 percent of Australia's 2020 renewable energy target."
MIT scientists estimate that the US could develop 100 gigawatts of generating capacity from geothermal over the next 40 years at a cost of US$1 billion. The Australians' timetable is much more aggressive, and comes with a higher price tag. "The association estimated A$12 billion would need to be invested to develop the 2,200 megawatts of power, but added the cost of generating electricity would fall to acceptable levels by the time commercial projects were up and running."
The amount of energy that could be generated from geothermal power is potentially huge. The Australian group estimates that just 1 percent of the country's geothermal capacity could provide 26,000 years worth of clean electricity.
Links: Scientific American, Planet Ark
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written by Mr, President, August 31, 2008
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written by ALiK, August 31, 2008
Let me hear you say "google monopolisation" b a n a n a s.
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written by Jeff Wilder, August 31, 2008
Ripster
www.datools.echoz.com
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written by Programming Owl, August 31, 2008
What is googles return on this investment?
I know it seems like a nasty question, but I want to know.
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written by Corban, August 31, 2008
Given the rise in energy prices this year, this could be an insulating move by them.
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written by Bob Wallace, August 31, 2008
"What is googles return on this investment?"
I hope Google's return is enormous. Many times greater than what they've made as a search engine company.
Enormous return will come only if this technology brings us loads of inexpensive electricity. No more oil, no more coal, no more nuclear. Just priced out of the market by something less expensive.
And that's a good thing.
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written by Bob Wallace, August 31, 2008
"What is googles return on this investment?"
I hope Google's return is enormous. Many times greater than what they've made as a search engine company.
Enormous return will come only if this technology brings us loads of inexpensive electricity. No more oil, no more coal, no more nuclear. Just priced out of the market by something less expensive.
And that's a good thing.
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written by David Ahlport, August 31, 2008
greyfalcon.net/energyresearch.png
Infact in 2007/2008, US DOE wanted to give $0.00 for Geothermal research.
commondreams.org/headlines07/0314-04.htm
Just in general, Solar and Geothermal both hardly get anything from the Fed.
greyfalcon.net/subs.png
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written by home insurance, August 31, 2008
barrier to entry is too costly for others, but return = good
runs night and day (not like solar/water/wind
0 footprint. not true with other technologies
uses no surface area - not true with others
very long term source - 1% = 25,000 years
available to setup anywhere in world
clean
will help stop volcanoes around the world as magma cools over next 10,000 years. hawaii becomes hotter real estate than ever. - haha
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written by %$% home insurance !@#, August 31, 2008
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written by cynthias's home insurance, August 31, 2008
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written by cynthia, August 31, 2008
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written by boozme, September 01, 2008
why this is not done by MSFT?
:P
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written by Ken Roberts, September 01, 2008
To the previous poster, the DOE doesn't need to be involved. There's a reason why the Australian plan would cost 25x as much.
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written by Ken Roberts, September 01, 2008
To the previous poster, the DOE doesn't need to be involved. There's a reason why the Australian plan would cost 25x as much.
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written by Joan McNeil, September 01, 2008
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written by johnhomer, September 07, 2008
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written by terry hallinan, September 12, 2008
Ormat, the premier geothermal developer, just bought leases near a live volcano in Alaska.
Good idea?
The guvnor might think live volcanoes are mighty fine but possibly not everyone agrees with her.
Still Ormat knows where the prime pickings are and they aren't where some think they are.
Best, Terry
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written by Dan, February 27, 2009
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written by asx, February 28, 2009
http://www.geodynamics.com.au/.../home.html
they have just now completed tests of proof of concept and are analyzing results.
more detail at the ASX Announcements page of the above site.
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written by Fred, July 21, 2009
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But what about the mole people!?!?!
THE MOLE PEOPLE!¬