WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight university teams have been selected to compete in the 2012 National Geothermal Student Competition. The student competition challenges teams at universities across the country to conduct cutting-edge research in geology, geoscience, chemical and bio-molecular energy, and engineering that could lead to breakthroughs in geothermal energy development.
Through the National Geothermal Student Competition, student teams will analyze the economic feasibility of developing clean, renewable geothermal energy in Snake River Plain, Idaho. A 2006 study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology identified Snake River Valley as one of six potential areas in the United States for near-term geothermal development. The region has geothermal resources with temperatures higher than 200°C at a depth of less than three miles, optimal conditions for energy development.