Utah’s FORGE: a Research Laboratory For Enhanced Geothermal Systems
1 min read
Summary
Geothermal energy is an attractive and relatively eco-friendly source of energy, but developing this resource is a challenge because it can only be harnessed in areas where magma is close to the surface and the underground rock is permeable enough for water.
To expand the use of geothermal energy, the Utah FORGE facility is researching and developing new methods, including a process known as an Enhanced Geothermal System, which works in a similar way to hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” but instead props open existing fractures with hydro-shearing to allow water to filter through.
This creates the necessary channel for the extraction of geothermal energy and can make previously unused areas suitable for electricity generation and community heating.
While this process could provide a significant expansion in terms of accessibility of geothermal energy, there are still challenges to be navigated, including induced seismicity (causing small earthquakes) and budget issues, and it remains to be seen whether the process will be deemed economically viable.
