In September, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm announced a new Department of Energy (DOE) goal to make enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) a widespread option in the U.S. for renewable energy by cutting its cost by 90% (to $45 per megawatt hour) by 2035. The Enhanced Geothermal Shot, a department-wide effort to dramatically reduce the cost of EGS, is sought by DOE to unlock the Earth’s abundant heat sources to provide clean, reliable power to American communities whilst also expanding opportunities for a vigorous domestic geothermal industry.
Geothermal energy currently generates about 3.7 gigawatts of electricity in the U.S., but a substantial amount of energy is not accessible with current technology. The conditions where EGS resources are located — at least 4,000 feet underground — are extreme, containing hot temperatures and abrasive rocks, an environment with incredible potential for corrosion.