Fervo Energy, a geothermal startup, achieved a significant milestone in geothermal energy production with its successful completion of a 30-day test at its commercial pilot plant in northern Nevada. The test involved drilling deep wells and pumping water into them, which grew hot from the earth’s heat. The hot water was then pumped back to the surface, where it was converted to electricity by a turbine. This achievement paves the way for geothermal energy to play a larger role in the transition to clean energy.
During the test, Fervo drilled down to a depth of 7,700 feet and then horizontally for another 3,250 feet. The internal temperatures reached approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions were capable of generating 3.5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 750 homes.
Fervo is leveraging drilling technology developed by the oil and gas industry, including hydraulic fracturing, to create reservoirs deep underground. By applying these technologies, Fervo aims to produce carbon-free energy resources in new geographies across the world. Tim Latimer, the CEO of Fervo Energy, shared that developments in oil and gas drilling, such as the polycrystalline diamond cutter, have been instrumental in making this approach feasible.
Latimer, who previously worked as a drilling engineer in the oil and gas industry, recognized the potential of using drilling advancements for geothermal energy. After facing resistance, he found support at Stanford’s geothermal program, where he co-wrote a paper on the topic. This paper served as the foundation for Fervo Energy, which Latimer launched in 2017 with Jack Norbeck.
Fervo’s success has attracted investors, raising over $200 million in investment. The company has also partnered with Google, which aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. Geothermal energy can provide an “always-on” carbon-free resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Google is developing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems to improve Fervo’s efficiency, while Fervo is supplying clean energy to the Nevada grid.
The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the “Enhanced Geothermal Shot,” an initiative to reduce the cost of enhanced geothermal energy and provide clean energy to millions of American homes. While Fervo still has more development work ahead, experts acknowledge the significance of its technical milestone in creating artificial geothermal reservoirs and delivering high flow rates. Enhanced geothermal systems, like those developed by Fervo, could also serve as long-duration energy storage, making them even more valuable in a decarbonized grid.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
