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Google's Groundbreaking Geothermal Project Paves the Way for Clean Energy Milestone

Google is making significant strides in the clean energy sector with its pioneering geothermal electricity project, which has the potential to be a game-changer for renewable energy. The project, funded and developed by Google, is aimed at harnessing the Earth's heat to generate carbon-free electricity. Partnering with Fervo Energy, a Utah-based company that utilizes drilling techniques from the oil and gas industry, Google's advanced geothermal technology has successfully begun supplying carbon-free electricity to its data centers in Nevada. By drilling deep into the Earth's crust, the project taps into the planet's heat to create steam, which drives turbines and generates electricity around the clock. Initial tests conducted in July confirmed the project's success, with the hypothesized 3.5 megawatts of power being delivered. The innovative process involves drilling a borehole 8,000 feet into the desert plains, followed by a horizontal extension of 3,000 feet. The injection of cold water into the lower shaft causes it to rise through cracks in the rock, heated by the Earth's core, into an upper shaft where it reaches supercritical temperatures. The superheated fluid is then used to produce steam, which powers a turbine and supplies Google's data center with clean energy. Google's commitment to geothermal energy has not stopped at this project. The company has also partnered with Project InnerSpace, a non-profit organization dedicated to global geothermal energy development, to further accelerate the adoption of this sustainable power source. With Google leading the way, the geothermal energy sector holds immense potential in the quest for a cleaner and greener future.

5 Dec 2023

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Global News

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Next-Gen Geothermal Breakthrough Paves the Way for Clean Energy Revolution in Nevada

Fervo Energy announced a record production of geothermal energy in northern Nevada after successfully completing a commercial pilot project. The project, called 'Project Red', utilized Fervo's drilling technology to produce commercial geothermal energy, a major breakthrough in the renewable energy industry. The 30-day well test, which achieved a flow rate of 63 liters per second at high temperature, enabled 3.5 MW of electric production, setting new records for both flow and power output from an enhanced geothermal system. This achievement confirms the commercial viability of Fervo’s drilling technology and establishes Project Red as the most productive enhanced geothermal system in history. Fervo’s drilling technology, adapted from the oil and gas industry, has reduced drilling risks and enabled the production of 24/7 carbon-free energy resources in new geographies across the world. In 2021, Fervo partnered with Google to develop the next-gen plant with the goal of powering Google’s Cloud servers in Las Vegas with an “always-on,” carbon-free resource that will reduce the company’s hourly reliance on fossil fuels. Geothermal technology produces electricity by pumping cold water underground, where it is heated up by the Earth’s temperature and brought back to the surface without emitting carbon or other harmful pollutants. Currently used in 26 countries, geothermal technology has the potential to supply over 20% of U.S. power needs and compliment wind and solar to achieve a fully decarbonized grid. Fervo's breakthrough in geothermal technology removes technological barriers to geothermal deployment and ushers in a new era of sustainable, carbon-free energy production.

1 Aug 2023

Global News

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Why the Use of Geothermal Energy Isn’t Mainstream

Geothermal energy, which harnesses the heat from within the earth to generate electricity, has long been considered a clean and renewable energy source. However, despite its potential, the use of geothermal energy is not yet mainstream. There are several reasons for this, including high costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited availability. One of the biggest challenges facing the use of geothermal energy is the high cost of installation and maintenance. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, geothermal energy requires drilling deep into the earth to access the heat source. This is a costly and complex process, and the initial investment is often too high for many individuals or businesses. Additionally, the maintenance and upkeep of geothermal systems can be expensive, further adding to the cost of using this energy source. Another issue is the lack of infrastructure in place to support the use of geothermal energy. The technology is still relatively new and developing, meaning that there are few power plants and infrastructure in place to support it. This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for individuals and businesses to access and use geothermal energy, even if they are willing to invest in it. Finally, the availability of geothermal energy is limited by the location of the heat source. Geothermal energy can only be generated in specific areas, such as near tectonic plates or volcanic regions. This means that not all areas of the world are suitable for geothermal energy, and those that are may not have the resources to tap into it. Despite these challenges, geothermal energy is still a promising energy source. With further investment and development, it may become more mainstream in the future. However, for now, the high costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited availability mean that it remains a niche energy source.

10 Jan 2023

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