While tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are making strides in nuclear-energy deals, other companies, such as Meta, are choosing to invest in a different, promising source of low-carbon energy — enhanced geothermal systems. These systems involve drilling boreholes up to several kilometers deep, where the rocks are at a temperature of around 200 ℃, and injecting water and sand at high pressure. One geothermal plant greenlit in the United States could eventually generate 2,000 megawatts, a capacity on par with two large nuclear reactors.
This innovative approach, although costly, holds great potential for the future of renewable energy, despite the risks associated with seismic activity and fracking.
Here’s a handy breakdown of enhanced geothermal engineering. Instead of relying on natural hot springs—a conventional approach that has been around for about a century—this method involves creating artificial ones to meet the high energy demands of AI. Projects in South Korea and Switzerland have had to shut down due to increased seismic activity. However, startups are trying to expand production while keeping a close eye on seismographs or doing away with fracking altogether. Their efforts are paving the way for exciting technological advancements in the energy industry.
Reference: NATURE