The Future of Geothermal in PA
Right under our feet is an abundant source of carbon-free energy that could power all of PA with cheap electricity. It might sound to most PA residents but a recent study by Project Innerspace and Pennsylvania State University says that we could power all of PA with geothermal energy in just 10 years.
The study, titled The Future of Geothermal Energy in Pennsylvania, includes both scientific evidence and policy ideas to harness this energy in PA. We’re going to break it down for you. As well as explain how this could affect your electricity rates.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is heat energy from the core of the earth. This core is incredibly hot- about 10,800°F, which is as hot as the surface of the sun! That heat seeps into the outer two layers of the earth, the mantle and then the surface crust. Harvesting this heat for power works in a few different ways.
One of the most common examples of geothermal energy is hot springs. Hot water, warmed by the earth, flows to the surface. From there, it will be used directly, for things like bathing, or piped into buildings for heat. Another way to use this heat is with electricity generation. Water, or other liquids, circulate underground, where it boils and turns to steam. From there, that steam drives turbines that make electric power.
Finding Geologic Hotspots in PA
Up until recently, geothermal energy was limited to places where hot magma gets close to the surface. In Pennsylvania’s case, Perry County is home to the state’s only such spring which only get up to 72°F at best. In the 1970s, researchers bored expensive test wells in PA and found temperatures got hot enough to boil water at about 3 miles down. However, recent advances in drilling oil and natural gas wells have made it easier to tap into these geologic hotspots almost anywhere. By using modern drilling tech and wells the shale industry has already drilled, PA has the potential to produce a massive amount of energy from geothermal sources.
Cost of Geothermal
Geothermal energy is renewable, clean, and stable. And so it truly seems like a dream come true. But, just like any other energy resouce, there are some downsides. The main one is the high initial investment costs.
The main investment is surveying and drilling, which can take up to a massive 75% of investment cost in geothermal projects. In fact, the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan estimates geothermal can cost around $2,500 per kW of installed capacity. While that seems high, it’s all up-front costs. The heat is free so there’s incredibly low operating costs. And that means lower electric bills.
Save on PA Electricity
With the oil and gas industry showing an interest in geothermal energy, it’s only a matter of time before it really takes off in PA. But you don’t have to wait for the geothermal hype to heat up. With PA Energy Ratings you can not only get a green electricity plan, but you can save money with it too! Compare plans, read reviews, and more. Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com