Geothermal Rising: Colorado Regional Interest Group (RIG) Holiday Party
Description
December 13, 2023, 6-8pm (Mountain Time)
Location
Museum of Earth Science, Colorado School of Mines
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Event Title: Geothermal Rising – Colorado Regional Interest Group – Holiday Party!!
Date: December 13, 2023
Time: 6-8pm MT
Location:
Museum of Earth Science, Colorado School of Mines
1310 Maple St, Golden, CO 80401
https://www.mines.edu/museumofearthscience/
Event Description: Please join the GR Colorado Regional Interest Group for an in-person Holiday Party!! We will celebrate the holiday season with food and drinks, surrounded by Colorado’s most extensive public collection of minerals at the Mines Museum of Earth Science! We hope to see you (and +1s welcome) there!
Pricing information: $25/person
Event Capacity: 240
Secondary contact for the event: Geothermal.in.colorado@gmail.com
Unless otherwise indicated in written correspondence to the event organizers, through event registration you grant permission for GR to utilize photographs, recorded audio, or videos from the event in future GR articles or marketing materials.
Register Now
Full Steam Ahead Webcast Series -- Wells2Watts
Description
November 14 at 1pm (Pacific)
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Please join us for our next Full Steam Ahead Webcast where Rob Klenner and Jason Angolano from Baker Hughes will discuss Wells2Watts, a consortium of private industry stakeholders focused on transforming abandoned wells for geothermal production.
Attendance is free but registration is required.
All the Advantages of Geothermal
Date
Image
What is Geothermal Energy?
It is extraordinary to think that just beneath our feet there’s enough energy to meet all the world’s energy needs. It is an abundant resource that can be harnessed for human use. Geothermal is a clean and renewable energy source that remains underutilized despite it being a mature and proven resource. Geothermal is the most environmentally friendly energy technology, has the ability to decarbonize heating and cooling of buildings and industry, and can generate dispatchable and baseload electricity all from ample and local geothermal resources. Geothermal presents a compelling case for widespread adoption, and it must become one of the leading protagonists if we are to genuinely address the ongoing climate crisis and successfully transform into a clean energy economy.
The primary energy associated with geothermal is the heat energy that naturally exists beneath the Earth's surface! There are different ways to use the natural heat of the earth. Geothermal heat pumps (also known as ground source) utilize temperatures about two meters below the ground to heat AND cool buildings. Other geothermal technologies use heat energy several kilometres below that is at very high temperatures and is produced by the natural decay of materials within the Earth's crust. Importantly, geothermal energy is constantly replenished, therefore renewable!
Deep within the earth is the hottest part of our planet, the core, which is about 2,900 kilometres below our feet. The extremely high temperature of the core (5,200°C or 9,392°F) serves as limitless battery, recharging the heat beneath our feet that can be used to create geothermal heating, cooling, and power capabilities.
Here are some of the advantages of geothermal:
- Geothermal is always available: Like other renewable energy sources, geothermal is essentially unlimited, but unlike intermittent renewables it is not affected by season, climate or weather conditions. This is referred to a having high capacity factor of which geothermal has the highest of all renewable energy sources making geothermal a more stable, reliable, and consistent technology. Energy generated from this resource is easy to predict with a high degree of accuracy as it doesn’t fluctuate in the same way as other renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, and wind. Geothermal energy is both renewable and sustainable due to the hot reservoirs within the earth being continually and naturally replenished.
- Geothermal energy plants have a small footprint: Geothermal power plants as well as heating and cooling systems only require modest amounts of space, in contrast with the wide-ranging expanses of land and mining operations needed for intermittent, oil and gas, nuclear and coal energy. Whether it’s a domestic geothermal heat pump system or a large-scale geothermal power plant, most of the components, including the heat exchangers, are buried underground with very little remaining above ground. In homes, a geothermal heat pump is about the size of a household appliance while in geothermal power plants the largest components are the cooling towers and the turbines. Large geothermal power plants can have a visual impact on the landscape, but these days newer architectural designs minimize the visual impact on the landscape.
- Geothermal energy provides more energy: Aside from time for maintenance, geothermal energy can work at full capacity non-stop because delivery is constant. This is very different to photovoltaic, hydroelectric and wind systems which rarely work at full capacity due to technical and environmental limitations. This means that more power is generated using less land and for the same nominal power. For example, a 9 MW geothermal plant will on average generate energy for about 5,500 homes a year whereas the average 9 MW solar plant can power only 1,800 homes per year. This translates into a lower impact on the environment, less mining for critical minerals, and reduced risk of geopolitical conflict.
- Geothermal power plants are quiet: While working at full capacity, geothermal power plants run at negligible noise levels. As with all construction, during the building phase of the plants there will be some noise but once the construction is complete, everything runs quietly. This applies to not only geothermal heat pump systems but to larger power stations where several turbines are spinning.
- Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly: The carbon impact of a geothermal power plant is very low. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, geothermal has the smallest lifecycle carbon footprint of all renewable energy technologies, including wind and solar. Geothermal power generation produces little—if any—nitrous oxide, methane, or sulphur dioxide in contrast with other generation technologies. Binary-cycle geothermal plants, which operate in a closed cycle, release essentially zero emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office. By utilising the earth’s natural heat, geothermal energy significantly decreases our carbon footprint contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
- Geothermal power optimises resources: Geothermal plants have components that can be salvaged and reused at the end of the installation’s lifecycle. Furthermore, during operation, the flows of energy are optimized in such a way as utilize any heat that can’t be used immediately for power generation back into the circuit using the steam pipes that power the plant, leading to greater energy efficiency. Geothermal does not require any critical minerals and all materials needed (steel and cement) are easily sourced from North America.
- Geothermal plants are long-lasting, safe, and reliable: Geothermal heat pumps have an operating life span of over 20 years whereas a traditional furnace last just 7 to 10 years. Geothermal power plants have very long life spans, with some lasting up to 80 and even over 100 years. Geothermal power plants such as Lardarello in Italy (1913), Wairakei in New Zealand (1958), and The Geysers in California (1960) still use original operational infrastructure and wells. This is remarkable longevity when compared to a natural gas combined-cycle plant which normally lasts around 30 years. Because there are no fuels involved there is no risk of fire and overall, this type of system guarantees excellent reliability. Additionally, geothermal power plants have low operating costs once the initial infrastructure is in place making them economically competitive in the long run.
- Geothermal plants require very little maintenance: Especially when it comes to geothermal heat pumps, geothermal applications don’t need any special maintenance. Because geothermal heat pumps are closed systems, the pressure of the fluid in the piping self-regulates and the number of electrical and mechanical elements that can break down is also minimal.
- Geothermal can be used to both heat and cool: Geothermal systems can be installed in almost any type of building: from homes to shopping malls, public buildings, and sports centres. A geothermal heat pump is actually a two-in-one HVAC system used for both heating and cooling. Despite the misleading name, geothermal “heat pumps” are just as effective at cooling your home or office in the summer as they are at heating it in the winter!
- Geothermal heat pumps can reduce overall energy consumption in your home: As well as providing air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, geothermal has other advantages when used in the home. For example, it can reduce energy consumption by between 30% and 70% because it can also do the job of a boiler by heating water for use in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Geothermal improves public health: Traditional air-conditioning removes dangerous heat from buildings and provides life-saving shelter and comfort. Unfortunately, air-conditioning systems worsen two other problems. First, heat is not so much removed or eliminated as it is moved from one location to another. When a building interior is cooled, that thermal energy is transferred to the exterior surroundings. In dense urban areas, this effect increases local temperatures, exacerbating the heat wave in places that are already heat islands as a result of urbanization. A geothermal heating and cooling system can reduce building interior temperatures without heating the surrounding air space by storing and dissipating heat underground. Additionally, geothermal heat pumps are 40% more efficient than their air-source counterparts, especially at high and low temperatures.
- Geothermal energy creates record numbers of jobs: Geothermal creates more jobs per megawatt hour than all other renewable energy technologies, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For the same installed power, geothermal energy creates more direct and indirect employment than any other type of renewable. Geothermal creates 34 jobs per installed megawatt compared to 19 created by wind power and 12 by photovoltaic energy.
- Geothermal pays local communities: Over the course of 30 to 50 years an average 20 MW geothermal generation facility will pay nearly $6.3 to $11 million dollars in property taxes plus $12 to $22 million in annual royalties. Seventy-five percent of these royalties ($9.2 to $16.6M) go directly back to the state and county.
- Geothermal energy can improve energy independence and security: Geothermal energy can contribute to enhancing a nation's energy independence and security. By utilising domestic and locally sourced geothermal resources, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and critical minerals, minimizing geopolitical risks associated with energy supply chains. Developing geothermal projects can strengthen a nation's energy portfolio and provide a stable and secure source of energy for future generations.
- Geothermal energy has huge potential: Currently, worldwide energy consumption from geothermal resources is around 15 terawatts but the total potential energy from geothermal sources is far greater. While most of the geothermal potential is still yet untapped, there is robust research and development happening in the industry that will increase the number of recoverable geothermal resources in the future. It is estimated that new technologies to create Engineered, or Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), can add 100 gigawatts of geothermal power to the grid (Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy). The 2019 GeoVision analysis concluded that, with advancements in EGS, geothermal could power more than 40 million U.S. homes by 2050 and provide heating and cooling solutions nationwide. Advancements in closed-loop or Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS) will unlock even more opportunity for geothermal. Additionally, super-hot rock (SHR) technologies have the potential to generate terawatts of power.
- Geothermal energy use is rapidly evolving: There is growing interest and new research into geothermal innovations. New technologies, such as refined heat pumps, EGS, closed loop systems (AGS), SHR, improved drilling techniques, and more efficient turbines, are being created all the time to improve the energy process. There are an ever-increasing number of projects to improve and grow this area of industry. Within the last few years there have been over 40 geothermal energy start-ups founded in North America.
Geothermal energy has numerous advantages that make it an ideal option for a sustainable transformation to a healthier, more equitable, vibrant economy. With its renewable and clean nature, consistent availability, long-term viability, and versatile applications, geothermal energy offers a path towards a greener and more resilient and stable energy future. By embracing this remarkable resource, we can reduce our carbon footprint, combat climate change, and ensure a more sustainable and just planet for generations to come.
To learn more about harnessing the power of geothermal energy, contact Geothermal Rising, a community that advocates for the growth and deployment of geothermal energy. Founded in 1972, Geothermal Rising is a community of geologists, climate activists, oil and gas professionals, drill rig operators, environmentalists, geochemists, subsurface reservoir modelers and more. Geothermal Rising represents and speaks for an aligned geothermal industry. The non-profit is a renewable energy think tank designed to familiarize and inform audiences about the value and benefits of geothermal energy for heating and cooling as well as electricity generation. Please visit www.geothermal.org.
To learn more about renewable energy technology and how they can be deployed please visit: https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/
Scroll down to read about the many advantages the geothermal energy offers!
2024 Geothermal Capitol Hill Day
Description
Join Geothermal Rising and the geothermal community for this opportunity to educate, inform, and share our story with policymakers, agency staff, think tanks, regulators, Hill staff, researchers, and clean energy and environmental NGOs working on policy in Washington, DC.
Location
Washington, D.C.
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Join Geothermal Rising and your geothermal community colleagues, June 4-5, 2024, in Washington, DC, at the second annual Geothermal Capitol Hill Day.
This is the geothermal community’s opportunity to educate, inform, and share our story with policymakers, agency staff, think tanks, regulators, Hill staff, researchers, and clean energy and environmental NGOs working on policy in Washington, DC. The two day event has two purposes: 1) raise the profile of all geothermal technologies and applications to DC audiences and 2) share policy solutions that will empower the geothermal industry as our industry seeks to play an impactful role in the clean energy transition and decarbonizing the economy.
Join us in Washington to share and amplify the geothermal story and promote our ultimate goal of “Using the Earth to Save the Earth."
Capitol Hill Day Information
Hill Day Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Image
Silver Sponsor
Image
Bronze Sponsor
Image
Thermal Energy Network Symposium
Description
Don't miss our upcoming symposium on Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, March 12-14!
Location
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Minnesota
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Symposium Overview - Why Thermal Energy Networks?
Cities and municipalities nationwide are facing the same energy-driven issue: how to reduce costs and increase reliability, while reducing and/or eliminating carbon emissions. Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) have quickly emerged as a leading solution ushering in a new frontier of cutting-edge applications. It started in the northeast with systems designed and installed in New York State and Massachusetts, with many other examples throughout the United States. New York enacted the Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act of 2022 which mandates utilities to implement Thermal Energy Networks. Many other states, such as Vermont, Colorado, Illinois, and Washington, and municipalities have similar legislation under development or have already passed similar legislation into law.
With such a huge inrush of need and the desire to install these infrastructure level projects at a utility scale, communities have questions: “How do we get in? Where do we start? What is the road map for successful implementation?”
We have the answers for you! At the Thermal Energy Network Symposium, government officials, city managers, legislators, developers, architects, and engineers will be in attendance in force. The purpose is to educate and collaborate with others about Thermal Energy Networks and the opportunities they provide to reach your communities’ renewable energy goals.
Participants will benefit from two days of insights, learnings, and information leaving them with a robust foundation on how to start their community or city on the path toward installation of these thermal energy networks. In addition, participants will have made valuable acquaintances and contacts that will help guide them along the way.
It is no small feat to tear up streets and install thermal pipelines that share energy between buildings; however, we now have the tools, the talent, the trades, and the engineering to do this at a time when geothermal solutions are more efficient and affordable than ever. All that is needed is for you to begin your journey by registering for the Thermal Energy Networks Symposium and be prepared to start your community on the path to energy independence.
Learn more about Rochester's TEN plans and the advantages of TENs!
Symposium Information
Symposium Sponsors
Community Engagement Sponsor
Image
Gold Sponsor
Image
Silver Sponsor
Image
Bronze Sponsor
Image
Reception Sponsor
Image
Who Should Attend?
- City/County Commissioners
- City/County Managers
- City/County Planners
- Commercial Developers
- Facilities Managers
- Geothermal Experts
- Regulators
- Renewable Energy Non-Profits
- Residential Developers
- Schools
- Sustainability Stakeholders
- Utility Companies
What are Thermal Energy Networks?
Thermal energy networks are utility scale infrastructure projects that use pipe loops to connect multiple buildings and provide heating and cooling through water-source heat pumps. The thermal energy in these loops can come from a variety of sources, including geothermal aquifers, boreholes, surface water, and waste water.
Read more about Thermal Energy Networks in this MIT Technology Review article.
Participating Organizations
Image
World Geothermal Congress 2026
Description
June 8-12, 2026.
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
The World Geothermal Congress 2026 is a global platform uniting industry leaders, researchers, and visionaries to shape the future of geothermal energy.
Hosted in Calgary, Canada, this triennial event promises groundbreaking discussions, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions for the energy transition.
Join us and enjoy the best that geothermal energy and Calgary can offer:
- Inspiring keynote speeches from global leaders
- Interactive short-courses, workshops and technical sessions.
- Networking events like the Gala Dinner and Welcome Reception
- Field trips to nearby geothermal sites and the Canadian Rockies
Image
WHY GEO?
Description
An online conversation with a wide range of local experts working in or adjacent to geothermal. Hosted by Vermont Community Geothermal Alliance.
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
OUR GUESTS
-
George Martin, LN Consulting on current geothermal projects in VT
-
Steve Smith, SAS Architects on designing with geothermal solutions
-
Dana Clawson, Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Hartford on why reusing heat matters
-
Juliet Walsh, Office of Senator Peter Welch on her recent trip to Iceland as part of a congressional delegation traveling to learn more about geothermal
-
Plus special guests, including Brock Yordy on drilling and Bryant Jones of Geothermal Rising
We’ll find out what they’re excited about and what they think is needed to realize the potential of using the heat we already have under our feet and in our communities.
We’ll also collect what people on the call want to know and how we can support more geothermal & thermal energy network development across our region.
Please join us on Tues, Sept 19 at noon.
GR Student Committee Update: UND Hosts Outreach Event
Date
Image
The Geothermal Rising Student Chapter at the University of North Dakota (UND) hosted an outreach event during the UND Welcome Weekend, on August 20, 2023, to raise awareness about geothermal energy, a renewable and sustainable source of heat and power. In collaboration with the Geothermal Rising Student Committee, the event aimed at bridging the knowledge gap and highlighting the crucial role of renewable resources in tackling climate change.
Approximately 50 students attended the event, engaging in various activities designed to provide a comprehensive "Geothermal 101" experience. One of the event's highlights was a series of poster presentations held around the Geology and Geological Engineering Department. These informative and engaging displays served as a visual guide to geothermal energy, illustrating its core principles, environmental benefits, and potential applications. What left a profound impression on the organizers was the considerable knowledge gap among attendees regarding geothermal energy and its manifold benefits. Geothermal energy, often overshadowed by more prevalent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, proved to be an underrepresented resource with gigantic potential.
The significance of this outreach initiative lay in its capacity to not only demonstrate the significant potential of geothermal energy in curtailing greenhouse gas emissions, but also in accentuating the role of student-led entities, exemplified by the Geothermal Rising chapter, as advocates for sustainable solutions. The event's resounding success underscored the vital role of education and outreach in propelling society toward a greener and more sustainable future. Moreover, the UND student chapter of Geothermal Rising is gearing up to organize another outreach activity in the upcoming months, further solidifying their commitment to educating the campus community and promoting the importance of sustainable energy sources. By continuing these initiatives, the Geothermal Rising chapter at UND is actively contributing to the university's mission of fostering environmentally conscious citizens and addressing the pressing energy challenges of our time.