An Examination of Modern Geothermal Energy Development

PROJECT NUMBER: 57

AUTHOR: Logan Sewall, Chemistry | MENTOR: Kathleen Hancock, Energy

ABSTRACT

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In order to meet growing energy demands due to an ever-increasing population, I propose geothermal energy as a good contender for an energy transition away from coal and natural gas. Based on the existing technology, implementation, and efficiency that does not depend on weather conditions, geothermal makes a great alternative to coal and gas as well as solar and wind. Also, with new advancements in geothermal energy technology it is no longer restricted to high temperature wells for electricity generation making placement and implementation much easier in areas without direct volcanic activity. It has been shown that existing infrastructure from oil and gas may be converted into geothermal making it easier to switch over as not all existing infrastructure needs to be removed or decommissioned. Many of the issues with geothermal energy do not stem from technology or science, but from societal perception. Due to this, I examined many of the common negative societal perceptions from around the world. I also examined how other industries such as the extractive industry as well as other renewables deal with these misconceptions or problems posed by the public. It seems a good answer to this would be the implementation of a Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR. With the implementation of a CSR in the development of geothermal energy, I predict that it can be much more applicable in modern times.

VISUAL PRESENTATION

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

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Logan Sewall is a junior from Alaska here at Colorado School of Mines. He is majoring in chemistry with a minor in energy. Last December he traveled to Iceland to study geothermal energy and that is where this research project started. One of his goals is to develop renewables like geothermal back in his home state of Alaska, and he wanted to know why the development had taken a backseat globally. Under the guidance of Dr. Hancock, he found that the technology, and costs were not the problem and it was mainly due to the public perception of geothermal mainly due to misinformation. From this he set out to try and figure out the best way to change the minds and educate people so geothermal development can once again be a player in the push for more renewable and sustainable forms of energy.

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