Texas is now pioneering geothermal energy exploration, leveraging the expertise of former oil industry workers.
Emily Foxhall reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- A Houston-based energy company has repurposed an abandoned Shell well in Starr County, Texas, to experiment with geothermal energy production, using Earth's heat.
- Sage Geosystems, led by industry veterans, demonstrates that geothermal power could provide a constant, clean energy source, potentially replacing less environmentally friendly power plants.
- Geothermal energy's growth in Texas showcases a transformative use of the state's extensive drilling expertise, promising a sustainable power future.
Key quote:
"We’ve punched over a million holes in the ground in Texas since Spindletop. So we have a lot of knowledge, and we have a lot of history and skill set."
— Barry Smitherman, former Texas oil and gas regulator and geothermal advocate
Why this matters:
One of the standout attributes of geothermal energy is its low emission footprint. It produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, making it a potent tool in the fight against climate change. However, geothermal energy isn't without its challenges, including high upfront costs and geographical limitations, as the most accessible and potent sites are often in areas with volcanic activity or tectonic plate boundaries.
Seth Mullendore argues that the best climate strategy we have is to fully commit to the rapid scale-up of solutions that we already know will work - solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, battery storage, energy efficiency, demand management.
