MIT Report Emphasizes Geothermal Power Potential

A report released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests that power generation from enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) could provide 100 gigawatts of electrical capacity within 50 years, or 10% of the current U.S. capacity. EGS uses forced water to fracture hot rock deep under the Earth’s surface, opening reservoirs that can then be used by a geothermal energy plant to heat water and create electricity. According to the report, a $300–$400 million investment over 15 years would be required to make the technology commercially viable. EGSs have received little recent attention or funding: the proposed 2008 federal budget eliminates geothermal research funding entirely. The report is available for free download at web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/geothermal.html.