Most BHA components in high-temperature wells are designed for a maximum operating temperature around 149°C (300°F). In contrast, formation temperatures in some shale and geothermal wells already exceed 177°C (350°F). As the circulation loop runs, the relatively cool mud that is pumped down the drillpipe absorbs heat from the hot rock around the wellbore. At the bit, the mud turns and returns toward the surface in the annulus as hotter circulating mud. Because the well is drilled overbalanced, native formation fluids stay in the rock, and it is the drilling mud that picks up and carries the heat. By the time mud reaches the bottom hole assembly, its temperature is much closer to the formation temperature, which is the temperature the tools actually have to withstand.

Elevated temperatures do more than stress electronics. They accelerate corrosion, erosion, and fatigue in steels and elastomers and degrade mud rheology, thinning the fluid and reducing its ability to clean the hole. The result is familiar to drilling engineers: more unplanned trips, more tool failures, and more non-productive time.

Whether the well is chasing gas in the Eagle Ford or heat in a geothermal project, the central question is the same. How do we keep the circulating system cool enough for the tools to survive, without sacrificing performance?

NOV’s Tuboscope business unit has spent decades developing internal coatings that extend tubular life by resisting corrosion, wear, and deposit buildup while maintaining hydraulic efficiency. As operators in oil and gas and geothermal began seeking a coating that could also serve as a thermal barrier, the research team focused on one key property: thermal conductivity.

Carbon steel drillpipe has a thermal conductivity of roughly 45 W/m·K, so it readily conducts heat from hot rock and annular fluids into the cooler mud inside the pipe. Legacy internal coatings improved corrosion resistance but did relatively little to slow heat flow.

Using a heat flow meter, NOV tested candidate coatings across a wide temperature range. 

Earlier coatings averaged about 0.84 W/m²K. Through multiple iterations, the team developed TK Drakōn with an average thermal conductivity of 0.162 watts per meter Kelvin, more than five times lower than that of previous coatings and nearly 280 times lower than that of steel. The inside of the pipe becomes a significantly cooler pathway for drilling fluid.

TK Drakōn was also subjected to high temperature, high-pressure exposure, immersion in corrosive solutions, and physical tests for abrasion, impact, and flexibility. The coating is applied in a thin 20 to 30 mil (0.5 to 0.75 millimeter) layer that preserves a smooth internal surface, supports efficient flow, and limits the buildup of scale and solids.

With more than 1.0 million feet (about 305,000 meters) of TK Drakōn-coated pipe in service, the coating has moved from concept to a standard option for high-temperature drilling. For geothermal developers, it offers a qualified way to manage heat along the drillstring while also protecting tubulars from aggressive brines.

Managing temperature inside the well starts at the surface. Once hot mud returns from the hole, it passes through shakers and solids-control equipment, then becomes a candidate for cooling before being pumped back downhole. 

Conventional mud cooling often relies on evaporative or air-based systems that struggle in hot, humid environments and may require large volumes of water. Chillers use a closed refrigeration loop to remove heat from the fluid and can maintain precise temperature control without external water.

NOV’s Tundra Max mud chiller combines air cooling and chiller technologies in a two-stage, closed-loop package. In the first stage, an air cooling unit removes heat from the drilling fluid by transferring it into a circulating water loop. In the second stage, a refrigeration unit removes additional heat from the same water loop, allowing it to continue pulling heat from the mud. Both stages use plate and frame heat exchangers in a counter-flow configuration, where the drilling fluid flows in one direction, and the cooling water flows in the other, which increases contact and improves heat transfer from the hot drilling fluid to the cooling medium.

The trailer-mounted unit can handle oil-based, synthetic-based, and water-based muds. In the first stage, an air-cooling unit removes heat from the water loop. In the second stage, a refrigeration unit chills that loop further. Both stages use plate-and-frame heat exchangers in a counterflow configuration to transfer heat between the mud and the cooling medium.

At the rig site, Tundra Max draws relatively clean fluid from the suction tank, chills it, and returns it to the solids control tank, typically the hottest point in the surface system. The result is a continuous heat sink that pulls the overall system temperature downward before the mud is pumped back into the well.

In long, high-temperature laterals in South Texas, this integrated approach delivered measurable gains. In one case study, Tundra Max lowered the active mud temperature at the surface by an average of 29.5°C, from 61.7°C at the inlet to 32.2°C at the outlet. With the mud chiller alone, the bottom hole temperatures were reduced to about 186°C, even though the undisturbed formation temperature was close to 196°C. When the chiller was combined with TK Drakōn-coated drillpipe, the bottom-hole circulating temperatures in the wellbore dropped further to an average of 159°C. That additional margin improved the operating environment for downhole electronics and elastomers and reduced heat-related risks for personnel at the surface.

As lateral lengths approach 8 kilometers and geothermal concepts push toward supercritical and superhot conditions, drilling will increasingly be limited by the tools that can tolerate them, not just by rock mechanics. Temperature in the circulation system is something operators can actively design around.

For geothermal projects, whether conventional hydrothermal, enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop designs, or superhot pilots, the path is similar. Assume active temperature management from the earliest phases of well design. Pair downhole insulation, such as TK Drakōn, with surface cooling, such as Tundra Max, as standard practice in high temperature campaigns. Use early wells in a field to tune bit selection, trajectory, hydraulics, and the thermal profile of the circulation system.

NOV is already extending its coating and cooling expertise into geothermal projects. These cross-sector lessons are relevant to a community experimenting with new well architectures and resource types while still relying on many of the same drilling fundamentals.

The story behind TK Drakōn and Tundra Max is less about individual products and more about a systems approach to heat. By reducing heat transfer into the drilling fluid and removing heat at the surface, NOV’s integrated system keeps BHAs operating closer to their rated lifespans, reduces non-productive time due to temperature-driven failures, stabilizes mud properties, and improves rig safety. Across multi-well campaigns, those gains compound and drive down cost per meter drilled.

As a participant in the Geothermal Rising community, NOV brings high-temperature drilling experience and a coatings and fluids portfolio that can be adapted for geothermal. In an industry-driven organisation that exists to connect subsurface innovators, this kind of technology transfer supports a shared goal: making clean, always on geothermal energy a practical choice in more places around the world.

Geothermal energy has the potential to play a major role in the United States’ clean-energy transition by providing reliable, low-carbon heating, cooling, and power. Yet despite its technical strengths, geothermal deployment remains limited across much of the country. This study shows that social acceptance—how people perceive, evaluate, and feel about geothermal technologies—is now a decisive factor shaping geothermal’s real-world viability.

Based on a national survey of more than 6,000 U.S. residents, including detailed analysis across five regions and 14 geothermal-relevant states, the study compares public acceptance of geoexchange, hydrothermal, and next-generation geothermal systems. Acceptance is measured as a combination of favorability, comfort, and general support, and analyzed alongside key social and psychological drivers.

The results reveal a consistent national pattern: geothermal enjoys moderate and broadly positive acceptance across the U.S., even though public familiarity remains relatively low. Across nearly all regions and states, perceived benefits—such as reliability, affordability, and long-term value—are the strongest and most consistent drivers of acceptance. Fairness, familiarity, social responsibility, and social norms play important secondary roles, shaping how acceptance forms in different contexts.

Importantly, perceived risk does not emerge as a dominant barrier in general attitudinal evaluations, suggesting that public concern is less about fear and more about whether geothermal is seen as beneficial, fair, and socially valuable. Acceptance of next-generation geothermal, in particular, is shaped more by perceptions of long-term community benefit and societal contribution than by technical risk.

Overall, the findings indicate that geothermal’s challenge is not public opposition, but visibility, clarity, and alignment with local priorities. When geothermal is understood and framed around tangible benefits and fairness, public support is strong—providing a solid foundation for responsible scale-up.

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This year’s Geothermal Rising (GRC) Conference in Reno was, as always, a remarkable convergence of the brightest minds in our industry. But for me, this year's event held a profound personal significance. I was given the privilege of presenting the inaugural Dr. Jim Bose Excellence in Heat Pumps Award.

To stand on that stage and inaugurate an award bearing his name was a full-circle moment that connected the very beginnings of my own career with the innovative future our industry is now building.

The award was presented to a deserving pioneer of the modern era, Matthieu Simon, CTO and Co-founder of Celsius, for his work in pushing the boundaries of geothermal design.

For me, this was more than a ceremony. It was a chance to honor the man who trained me, Dr. Jim Bose, and to recognize the new generation of leaders who are carrying his legacy forward.

To understand the weight of this award, you must first understand the man it’s named for.

Dr. Jim Bose, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), is widely and correctly regarded as the "father of the modern geothermal heat pump industry." While the concept of a heat pump had been around since the 1940s, it was Dr. Bose who, during the energy crisis of the 1970s, recognized its massive potential and dedicated his life to making it a practical, scalable reality.

His true breakthrough was developing the foundational engineering equations for closed-loop ground heat transfer. He essentially cracked the code, transforming geothermal from a niche idea into a verifiable, designable, and reliable technology.

But his genius didn't stop at the math. Dr. Bose understood that an industry needs a home. In 1987, he founded the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) at OSU. This single act established a global hub for research, development, and, most importantly, standardized training. He turned Stillwater, Oklahoma, into the epicenter of the geothermal universe.

This new award is a continuation of Dr. Bose's life's work. It was established by Geothermal Rising to recognize "outstanding advancement in the development and deployment of low-temperature heat pump technology."

It's fitting that the first-ever recipient is Matthieu Simon and his team at Celsius.

Matthieu’s work represents the next logical evolution of Dr. Bose’s original equations. While Dr. Bose gave us the foundational science, Matthieu is pioneering the tools to optimize and deploy it at a massive scale in complex urban environments.

Celsius has pioneered a new approach that combines innovative well placement (including inclined well geometries), advanced digital twins, and physics-based full-system models. This work bridges the gap between raw subsurface science and practical, deployable, and highly efficient solutions for decarbonizing large buildings and campuses.

It is exactly the kind of innovation Dr. Bose championed.

Presenting that award to Matthieu was one of the great honors of my career. It felt like the past shaking hands with the future.

From being a young entrepreneur sitting in Dr. Bose's classroom at OSU, absorbing the fundamentals, to standing on the GRC stage recognizing a new leader who is defining the industry's future—it's a powerful testament to how far this industry has come.

We are no longer a niche concept. We are an essential solution.

Congratulations, Matthieu Simon, on being the fitting and deserving recipient of this inaugural award. The foundations Dr. Bose laid are strong, and the future being built upon them—by innovators like you—is brighter than ever.

For more than 35 years, Coso Operating Company has operated 24/7, generating renewable energy day and night. This continuous supply is a game-changer, especially during those peak evening hours when energy demand soars and the sun is no longer shining. The reliable, baseload power that geothermal provides is a low-risk, low-emission energy source that plays a huge role in clean energy.

Here at Coso, we put that non-stop energy into practice not only at the power plant but also by supporting local youth with annual scholarships and our staff with a robust training program. We take immense pride in building a skilled workforce for the future.

Our isolated location has molded us into a tight-knit family. For any new geothermal project, a huge takeaway is to create training programs, whether it be in-house training, partnering with the community college, or a nearby technical school. This ensures you have a steady pipeline of skilled workers—the welders, electricians, and mechanics you need to run a successful operation. It's a win-win: the community gets high-paying, long-term careers, and the plant gets a dedicated, well-trained staff.

Next is to partner with the local community. Our staff members are mentors, coaches, and leaders in the community. Our staff is active on local boards, coordinates highly in-depth tours of the plant, leads local chambers, and, simply put, are good neighbors.

When our community needs something, we show up. Whether it's new turf for a baseball field, food for backpacks, or a new scoreboard, we're there to help. After COVID hit and one of the local theaters was struggling, we came up with an idea: we'd buy enough tickets to keep them afloat and have local businesses give them away with purchases over $50. This not only brought much-needed revenue to local shops but also brought people together back in the theater once restrictions had been lifted. It was a huge lift for our economy and community.

Community engagement is about more than just having an open-door policy; it's about building a shared future. Our parent company, Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure, shares this belief and continues investing in the next generation. Ultimately, the success of geothermal energy isn't just about the technology—it's about the people and the communities we serve.

This blog post was brought to you by the GR Workforce Success Group, as part of an initiative to highlight community outreach success stories in the geothermal community. We are committed to fostering a collaborative community to create a brighter future for Earth and all its inhabitants. If you are interested in supporting Workforce Success and want to get involved - reach out to Amelia Letvin at, amelia@geothermal.org  

Link to the Workforce Success webpage: https://geothermal.org/our-impact/workforce-success

In the Andean regions of Ecuador, which are bisected by a chain of active volcanoes, geothermal hot springs were and remain sacred spaces. For the Inca and the preceding local cultures, these warm springs were viewed as the “breath of Pachamama” (Mother Earth).

These naturally heated, mineral-rich waters (high in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium) were the foundation of holistic medicine. Communities utilized them for therapeutic bathing and performing cleansing rituals (limpias), seeing healing as a blend of physical and spiritual restoration. The water was considered so valuable that these sites were often incorporated into elite infrastructure. Historical accounts notably mention that Inca Emperor Atahualpa was actually resting in hot springs when he first received news of the Spanish arrival, highlighting their importance as places of both royal retreat and strategic significance. This tradition demonstrates an indigenous model of direct-use geothermal heating for community and well-being.

In the societies of Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztec during the Postclassic Period (c. 1300–1521 CE), the interaction with geothermal power was more ritualized. This came in the form of the Temazcal (Nahuatl: temazcalli, "House of Heat").

The temazcal is a dome-shaped stone or mud structure designed to represent the womb of the Earth. It uses heat and steam generated by pouring water over blazing hot volcanic rocks brought in from an external fire. This "water vapor thermal therapy" was not for casual relaxation; it was a ritual of profound societal importance:

• Purification and Rebirth: The intense, controlled heat symbolized purification, with participants emerging from the dome in a ceremonial "rebirth".
• Essential Function: The practice was vital for warriors before and after battle, for ballplayers, and in indigenous medicine. The high architectural standing of temazcales within ceremonial centers confirms their significant role in Aztec life.

The contrast between the Andean preference for direct, natural soaking and the Mesoamerican creation of an enclosed, symbolic steam chamber underscores the diversity and ingenuity within the ancient cultures that form Hispanic Heritage. Both traditions, however, shared a fundamental understanding that the Earth’s inner heat was a powerful, reliable resource to be utilized respectfully.

As we look toward a future of sustainable energy, this heritage provides an invaluable lesson: sustainable practice is intrinsically linked to cultural reverence. By appreciating the engineering behind the Aztec steam lodge and the healing wisdom of the Andean springs, we honor the ancestral connection to the planet. Recognizing these enduring indigenous contributions enriches our perspective on sustainability, demonstrating that the efficient, respectful utilization of the Earth's energy is not a modern invention, but a profound and valuable legacy of the Hispanic cultures we celebrate today.

1. Haraldsson, E., & Lloret, S. (2014). Geothermal Baths, Swimming Pools and Spas: Examples from Ecuador and Iceland. Proceedings, World Geothermal Congress 2015.
2. Turismo Ecuador 24. (Article on Sacred Springs and Healing Waters).
3. TripSavvy / Excellence Resorts Blog on Temazcal. (Articles on the Traditional Mexican Sweat Lodge and Ancient Aztec Thermal Therapy).

This blog post is presented by the GR Workforce Success Group as part of our initiative to highlight the multifaceted cultural components of geothermal. Our mission is to build a collaborative community that advances a brighter future for our planet and all who call it home.

If you’d like to support Workforce Success or get involved, please contact Amelia Letvin at amelia@geothermal.org. 

Workforce Success webpage: https://geothermal.org/our-impact/workforce-success

We reached out to Christoper Katis and Gosia Skowron, who lead the Utah FORGE Outreach and Communication Team, to discuss their very popular classroom visits. When this school outreach began in 2021, the Team focused on 4th-5th graders; they have now expanded to middle and high schoolers. At first exclusive to Beaver County, where the Utah FORGE wells are drilled, they have now reached nearly 50 classrooms statewide, and even spoke to a group of home-schooled rural students. (Photo Credit: Eric Larson, Flash Point, SLC)

Each class visit starts with an age-appropriate presentation to introduce everyone to the concepts of geothermal energy, followed by hands-on experiments. Christopher and Gosia believe that using tactile and visual demonstrations engage students’ curiosity, and their most popular demonstrations are:

• Thermal camera lets them “see” heat signature changes
• Peltier Devices are used to power an LED with just the heat from their hands
• Rock samples collected from 8,500 feet below the surface are examined for minerals
• Sterling engines, thermo-electric generators, and handboilers are used to demonstrate heat transfer
• Interactive quizzes, with results tracked in real-time, test students’ newly acquired knowledge in a fun and competitive way

For more information on fun ways to teach geothermal visit the Utah FORGE website: https://utahforge.com/teacher-resources/

Utah FORGE’s program introduces young learners to topics outside of their typical curriculum. Their goal isn’t just to raise awareness, but also to spark questions and encourage critical thinking. Energy sources and usage is a topic that impacts their local communities, and is also a global scale concern.

In elementary classrooms, outreach efforts include a popular poster contest, where students research and illustrate a geothermal topic of interest.  Did you know that bananas grow in Iceland and there are metal plated snails that live on underwater volcanoes in the Indian Ocean? The youth of Utah do and they’re making award winning art about it! The winning entries are celebrated at school and displayed in local libraries, reinforcing a link between science learning and community pride.

Inspired by the efforts to turn STEM into STEAM, a song parody contest was introduced to incorporate creative thinking into STEM teachings. It offers students a refreshing new way to look at the energy problems around them. Song parody competitions harness students’ creativity and challenge them to write and perform original lyrics to a well-known song. (check these out!):  https://utahforge.com/outreach/song-parody-contest/

What’s the secret to such a successful program? Christopher and Gosia were emphatic: You have to be there - in the community! Attend the county fair and town hall meetings, be available to answer questions, and be a resource. When you become part of the community everyone from the local librarian, county commissioners, and young learners get excited about geothermal. Equally important, is to expand beyond the obvious reach and broaden the audience from legislators to AP physics students, from Chambers of Commerce to Universities across the state.

We’re glad to see students embrace learning and fun at the same time and only hope to foster more of it in the future. In the 2025–26 school year, Utah FORGE’s outreach efforts will look to continue expanding the program further to more public, private, charter, and rural schools across the state. 

Read more about Utah FORGE’s community engagement work in this technical paper:

Best Practices for Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement – Case Study at Utah FORGE. https://publications.mygeoenergynow.org/grc/1034828.pdf

The GR Workforce Success Group believes that building real and lasting relationships with the communities where geothermal technology is developed will help to advance the industry. This might be by fostering an interest in geothermal, developing local talent, building opportunities for collaboration, or ensuring that the benefits of the geothermal good life are shared by all. It starts with a meaningful connection between people.

#Geothermal #Education #UtahFORGE #Community

A healthy ecosystem thrives on biodiversity; similarly, a secure and enduring energy system depends on diversification. Relying too heavily on a single energy source leaves us vulnerable to market fluctuations, geopolitical shocks, and environmental impacts. The push towards a wider array of energy options, and particularly the robust potential of geothermal energy, mirrors the call for a broader, more reliable approach to our power needs.

Geothermal energy, harnessing the consistent heat from within the Earth, offers a unique set of advantages:

• Reliable Baseload Power: Unlike intermittent sources like solar and wind, geothermal can provide continuous power, making it a crucial component of a stable grid.
• Minimal Land Footprint: Geothermal plants generally require less land than other large-scale energy projects.
• Cleaner Operations: While not entirely emission-free, geothermal power plants produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels [1].

Pride Month commemorates the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights, a movement built on courage, visibility, and the unwavering belief in the right to exist authentically. It's about dismantling barriers, challenging norms, and creating spaces where every individual can contribute their full potential without fear of discrimination. The green stripe in the original Pride flag, representing nature, subtly links the movement to environmental considerations, a connection that has grown stronger over time with the rise of environmental justice advocacy [2].

The values that underpin Pride – inclusivity, acceptance, and the celebration of unique identities – are not just social ideals; they are powerful drivers of innovation and progress.

The energy sector, undergoing a monumental transition, stands to gain immensely from embracing diversity in all its forms. Research consistently shows that diverse teams, including those with strong LGBTQIA+ representation, lead to:

• Enhanced Innovation: A wider range of perspectives and experiences fosters more creative problem-solving and the development of novel solutions to complex challenges, such as energy security and climate readiness [3]. This is particularly critical in fields like geothermal, where technological advancements are constantly being made.
• Improved Performance: Companies with greater diversity often report stronger financial results and higher productivity [4].
• Attracting Top Talent: A truly inclusive workplace is a magnet for top-tier professionals, ensuring the energy sector has the talent it needs to achieve its ambitious energy goals [5].

Organizations like Geothermal Rising have explicitly recognized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), establishing task forces to foster a sense of belonging within the geothermal community and beyond [6]. Similarly, groups like Pride in Energy in the UK and Out in Energy in the US are actively working to elevate LGBTQIA+ voices and address discrimination within the broader energy industry [7].

There is no historical evidence to suggest that the inclusion of geothermal energy directly "helped develop" Pride Month. However, the conceptual parallels are striking and deeply meaningful. Both movements advocate for a departure from singular, often restrictive, approaches to embrace a richness of options and identities.

Just as geothermal energy diversifies our power supply, making it more resilient and dependable, embracing the full diversity of our human potential—including our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, and family—strengthens our workforce and accelerates innovation. This Pride Month, let us recognize that a truly robust energy future is one where diverse energies power diverse communities, built by a workforce that celebrates every unique contribution.

[1] Oduor, J. N. (2010, April 16). Environmental and Social Considerations in Geothermal Development. FIG Working Week 2010. Retrieved from http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2010/papers/ts01e%5Cts01e_oduor_3857.pdf

[2] National Environmental Education Foundation. (2023, June 6). Exploring the Intersectionality Between Environmental Justice and Pride Month. NEEF. Retrieved from https://www.neefusa.org/story/environmental-education/exploring-intersectionality-between-environmental-justice-and-pride

[3] Maverick Power. (n.d.). Why Gender Diversity in Energy is Driving Innovation. Retrieved from https://maverickpwr.com/how-gender-diversity-is-reshaping-the-energy-sector/

[4] Navitas. (2025, February 13). Diversity & Inclusion in Clean Energy: Driving Innovation and and Reliability. Retrieved from https://navitas-nrg.com/diversity-inclusion-in-clean-energy-driving-innovation-and-sustainability/

[5] Energy Alliance. (n.d.). Energy transition: why inclusion and innovation matter?. Retrieved from https://energyalliance.org/unlocking-socioeconomic-benefits-inclusive-energy-transition/

[6] Geothermal Rising. (2023, February). Diversity and Inclusion in the Geothermal Community: Beginning the Journey of a Thousand Miles. Retrieved from https://geothermal.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/2022%20GR%20DEI%20paper.pdf

[7] Startup Energy Transition. (2023, July 18). 5 Initiatives for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Energy Industry. Retrieved from https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/lgbtq-energy-inclusion/

Elsevier has published the second edition of its comprehensive book Geothermal Power Generation: Developments and Innovation, available at:

https://shop.elsevier.com/books/geothermal-power-generation/dipippo/978-0-443-24750-7

ISBN: Hardback, 9780443247507; eBook, 9780443247514

The original edition, published in 2016, was edited by Ronald DiPippo; the new one was edited by DiPippo along with Luis C.A. Gutiérrez-Negrín and Andrew Chiasson. The book comprises 28 chapters written by 40 authors from 12 countries, namely, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States. There is also an appendix with data on installed geothermal power plants across the world showing trends and projections for the near-term.

In the eight years following the first edition, geothermal power has continued to be a steady and reliable source of electricity to nearly 70 million people around the world. The number of countries served by geothermal power plants has risen from 24 in 2015 to 32, with another 11 poised to join the geothermal club of nations. In 2015, about 12 GW of geothermal power was installed, whereas now the total exceeds 16 GW, representing nearly 4% annual growth.

The book is organized into four sections:

Part One - Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Evaluation

Part Two - Energy Conversion Systems

Part Three - Design and Economic Considerations

Part Four - Case Studies

The first three sections follow the typical chronological order in the development of a resource, from the beginning of exploration through to the options for engineering a power plant, including environmental, economic, social and cultural considerations.

The chapters are descriptive while giving enough analytical material to allow readers to apply scientific principles to understand the design and performance of various plants. The last section includes eight chapters describing actual plants operating around the world, from the earliest ones in Italy, now over 120 years ago, to recent developments in Kenya, and several other countries and regions.

Throughout the book, color photographs and diagrams are used to convey the nature of geothermal resources and a physical sense of different power plant designs, including dry steam, single-, double-, and triple-flash, to a variety of binary and hybrid plants. Extensive reference lists and bibliographies accompany each chapter for further in-depth reading and research.

The second edition includes several new chapters dealing with developments in the Philippines, Central America and the Caribbean, Chile, and Kenya. Another new chapter presents a case study of the large geothermal field at Cerro Prieto in Mexico that has been in continuous operation for over 50 years since 1973.

Innovations and emerging technologies include Advanced Deep Drilling (ADD) and Mineral Recovery (MR) from geothermal brines. While neither of these emerging technologies has been brought to the commercial stage, they promise results in the near term. So far, ADD has demonstrated that existing productive fields can be enhanced, but no power plant has been developed solely by using ADD techniques. Likewise, mineral recovery, in particular the recovery of lithium, has been demonstrated in laboratory tests using simulated brines, and pilot demonstration plants have been designed, however extending the concepts to full-scale operation at a real power plant, or as a stand-alone mineral recovery plant, has so far proven highly challenging.

The following is excerpted from a book review by Susan Fox Hodgson, California Div. of Oil, Gas and Geothermal, retired.

Geothermal Power Generation: Developments and Innovation, Second Edition, includes 958 pages of first-rate geothermal information emphasizing advanced energy technologies. The exceptionally well-organized text is backed by a 30-page index. The front and back covers show geothermal power plants sited in naturally green areas, environmentally in sync with the "green" nature of geothermal power production.

Some chapters touch on geothermal history. An example is Chapter 21, titled “Larderello, Italy: The Oldest Geothermal Field in Operation in the World.” The chapter begins with a Prologue, “...an historical outline, beginning in Prehistory, of Italian geothermal development up to 1960, with particular reference to the Boraciferous Region.” The Prologue, by Raffaele Cataldi, is followed by technical information from authors, Roberto Parri, Franco Lazzeri, and Alessandro Lenzi. The issues they discuss include “...studies and pilot tests on new materials and/or alloys for turbines and auxiliary equipment.”

It doesn't matter if you work in geothermal or don't know the first thing about it. The book is for you. If you are unfamiliar with geothermal power plants, someday you may need a few geothermal facts. Say out of the blue, a developer suggests building a geothermal power plant in your area. You and other residents want to understand the project. Reading through the chapter titles can help guide you to the information you need. Geothermal developers will find the book useful, as well. Talking to (or teaching) community groups about geothermal energy and answering their questions is part of the job.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is crucial to recognize the intersection of racial justice and renewable energy advancements, particularly in geothermal energy. This sustainable energy source offers significant opportunities for achieving energy equity, essential for historically marginalized and predominantly Black communities who face disproportionate environmental and energy challenges.

Understanding Energy Equity

Energy equity is about creating a system where all communities, irrespective of their race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, can access affordable, reliable, and clean energy. It addresses the injustices that historically underserved communities face, such as higher energy costs, inadequate infrastructure, and greater exposure to pollutants from conventional energy sources. Promoting energy equity involves not only addressing these disparities but also actively prioritizing the energy needs of these communities to ensure they benefit from renewable energy advancements like geothermal power.

Geothermal energy, with its capacity for local development, offers a robust solution to these challenges. It provides a stable and reliable energy source that does not depend on weather conditions, unlike solar or wind power. This reliability is especially vital for communities that have historically faced erratic power access, thereby improving their overall quality of life and promoting economic stability through job creation and infrastructure development.

Furthermore, geothermal energy's low emissions footprint helps reduce environmental hazards, contributing to cleaner air and improved public health for communities historically exposed to higher pollution levels. This clean energy source is critical for advancing public health and environmental quality in these areas.

The evolution of geothermal energy from ancient uses to modern technological advancements has significantly expanded its accessibility and efficiency. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and the integration with other renewable sources increase its potential, providing a more resilient and comprehensive energy supply.

To fully realize the potential of geothermal energy in promoting energy equity, a collaborative and inclusive approach is essential. Engaging with local communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders ensures that the benefits of geothermal energy are distributed equitably and supports a sustainable energy transition that honors the spirit and objectives of Black History Month. For more insights into the contributions of Black innovators to this field and detailed information on energy equity, visit Energy.gov’s celebration of Black innovators and energy pioneers. Alliant Energy - Honoring Black innovators’ contributions to renewable energy

Geothermal Rising, the global nonprofit association that champions geothermal energy and those who make it possible, announces the results of the 2023 Board of Directors Election. Among the Board are ten women and five men that represent the most diversity of any board in the organization's history in terms of gender, racial, and industry diversity. We look forward to the new leadership and for each Director to bring their own unique skills and expertise to further strengthen the geothermal community.

The following new members have been elected to serve:

Jay Egg, President of Egg Geo, LLC, Direct Use Seat

Cindy Demichel, Ceo and Co-Founder of Celsius Energy, Heat Pump Seat

Robin Zuza, Director of Global Exploration at Ormat Technologies, Inc., At Large Seat

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season -- and we look forward to 2024 and the future of Geothermal Rising!

“My strong belief that the know-how, technology and mindset of the energy industry are key to accelerate the energy transition has driven me to found Celsius Energy. The signature of my leadership is the relentless outreach to the entire ecosystem, from policymakers to end-users, bringing the awareness of geoenergy to the highest levels of society in France – and now applying the lessons learned worldwide, with our first large GSHP project under way in Massachusetts.”

“Celsius Energy’s team in the US is strongly linked to SLB’s roots as an energy technology company on one side, and to the wide ecosystem of the building heating and cooling industry on the other. If elected, I will bring these two facets to the GRC board: the strong support of a large industrial group, committed to scaling up all types of geothermal energy in America and beyond, and the enthusiasm and openness of an innovative startup with boots on the ground, where the end users are.”

“For 35 years, I’ve been engaged in the design and application of low-temperature geothermal heating and cooling systems. Serving on the Geothermal Rising board of directors for the last two years has been a remarkable opportunity to give back to the industry and to bring the industry together – from hot geothermal reservoirs to low temperature geothermal exchange. Our vision is for the public to see geothermal as the solution to providing baseload electricity, domestic hot water, & air conditioning and heating of their home and buildings.”

“My desire is to see the geothermal industry united into a cooperative of organizations that are united in the public message of geothermal as a solution to baseload electrical and thermal energy. I have provided years of service in writing building codes, as well as curriculum for the geothermal heat pump industry. Working with Geothermal Rising, we have developed the geothermal heat pump page on the Geothermal Rising website.  I will continue these efforts, using the opportunities and influence that come with being on the Board of Directors for Geothermal Rising toward integration the geothermal organization with Geothermal Rising, providing a unification of the geothermal industry.”

“My passion lies in advancing geothermal energy through innovated exploration strategies, technical excellence, and pushing the limits of technology to increase geothermal developments globally. I work with Ormat Technologies, a leader in the industry, where I've witnessed the transformative power of innovation through partnerships with academic and government institutions. I am committed to fostering collaboration with industry partners, academic institution, government agencies, and external industries such as mining to elevate the geothermal sector. I believe we will accelerate geothermal and the positive impacts it brings by learning from each other and standing together.”

As a leader in one of the largest geothermal developers globally, I bring a track record of success in bringing online new megawatts and contributing to the growth in baseload renewable energy. My experience as an operator/developer working in multiple markets globally will enhance the board's ability to support the industry. I am honored at the prospect of helping Geothermal Rising grow and become more efficient and influential, both in conventional developments and emerging geothermal technologies.”