Geothermal Energy

This month, my focus is on geothermal, not just because of the June 7th monthly luncheon talk by Emilie Gentry on the application of fracture analysis to geothermal exploration, but because I work in the geothermal industry. As geoscientists, we know that the Earth is a dynamic and complex system, and that the energy resources it provides are critical to our modern way of life. While much attention has been paid to traditional oil and gas reserves, it is important to also consider the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable and renewable energy source.

Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity and heat buildings. It is a clean and reliable source of energy that has the potential to play an increasingly important role in meeting our energy needs. The Rocky Mountain region is particularly well-suited for geothermal energy production, with its high levels of geothermal activity and extensive oil and gas infrastructure.

As geoscientists, we are uniquely positioned to understand the geological processes that drive geothermal activity and to explore the potential for geothermal energy production. Geothermal power generation has been going on at The Geysers in California since the late 1950s generating up to 800 megawatts of baseload power. Modern technological advances allow fluids as cool as 150° F with as little as 900 barrels a day of flow to be useful for kilowatt-scale power generation.

At the same time, it is important to consider the relationship between geothermal energy and traditional oil and gas geoscience. While these resources may seem to be at odds, they are actually complementary. Many oil and gas fields are located in areas with high geothermal activity, such as the Raton Basin of Colorado, the hottest basin in the state. The expertise and infrastructure developed for oil and gas exploration and production can be leveraged for geothermal projects. Furthermore, the use of geothermal energy can reduce the carbon footprint of oil and gas production by providing a clean and renewable source of power for drilling and extraction operations.

As geoscientists, we have a responsibility to explore the potential of all energy resources, including geothermal, in a sustainable and responsible way. By leveraging our expertise and working collaboratively with other industries and stakeholders, we can ensure that the energy needs of our society are met while minimizing the impact on the environment.

As always, I urge you to attend RMAG events and get involved in your society. Enjoy the beginning of summer!

F i e l d T r i p s

P a l e o z o i c I m p a c t

C r a t e r F i e l d

J u n e 2 4 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 3

D o u g l a s , W y o m i n g

S e e m o r e i m p a c t c r a t e r s t h a n a n y w h e r e e l s e o n

E a r t h ! D o n ' t m i s s t h i s u n i q u e f i e l d t r i p l e d b y D r .

K e n t S u n d e l l .