. 24/7 Space News .
ENERGY TECH
Hot rocks could be the next new power source
by Daniel J. Graeber
Washington DC (UPI) Oct 28, 2021

Using superhot rocks buried deep below the surface to generate steam for power generation could be far more efficient than similar technology already in use, a U.S.-based climate task force found.

A new report from the non-profit Clean Air Task Force finds that "superhot rock energy" could be on the cusp of a breakthrough that would see it put to commercial use as early as the 2030s.

"With more ambitious geothermal energy funding and public-private partnerships to spur innovation, it could be cost-competitive with most zero-carbon technologies, transforming global energy systems by providing clean, firm, cost-competitive renewable energy while requiring significantly less land than other sources," the report read.

Using this type of system would see water injected at depths sufficient enough to find rock temperatures greater than 750 degrees Fahrenheit. The steam that would come from that would be pumped back to the surface to drive a generator.

The type of geothermal energy already in use relies on finding temperatures close to the surface hot enough to generate steam. Finding rocks hot enough would require drilling as deep as 12 miles below the surface.

Research is underway into the technology. A test program in Iceland is churning out at least five times as much energy as conventional geothermal power and researchers at the Clean Air Task Force estimate the cost for a rock-based system is already competitive with natural gas.

Bruce Hill, a geoscientist with the Clean Air Task Force and the author of the report, told CNBC that a lot more funding is needed to bring this type of power system to the grid.

"Superhot rock geothermal isn't even in the decarbonization debate, but given a decade or two of aggressive investment it could be producing baseload power," he said.

Less than 2% of the world's total energy comes from geothermal resources, though scientists suspect it could be a near-inexhaustible source of energy.

"Always available zero-carbon energy isn't a far-off dream," said Terra Rogers, the program director for rock energy program at the task force.


Related Links
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com


Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly


paypal only
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal


ENERGY TECH
80-year-old mystery in static electricity finally solved
Ulsan, South Korea (SPX) Oct 07, 2022
Historically, contact electrification (CE) was humanity's first and only source of electricity up until ca. 18th century yet its true nature is still elusive. Today it is considered a core component of technologies such as laser printers, LCD production processes, electrostatic painting, separation of plastics for recycling, etc., as well as a major industrial hazard (damage to electronic systems, explosions in coal mines, fires in chemical plants, etc.) due to electrostatic discharges (ESD) accompanyin ... read more

Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.



Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

ENERGY TECH
NASA to resume spacewalks after investigation into 'close call'

NASA Crew-4 astronauts safely splash down in Atlantic

Eagle-designed space drones target in-orbit construction

Crew-4 astronauts splash down after 170 days in space

ENERGY TECH
UCF researcher receives NASA award to develop revolutionary rocket engine technology

Gilmour Space partners with Equipmake on advanced motors for rocket program

Gilmour Space offers tech demo satellite mission from Australia in 2024

AFRL upgrades rocket fabrication capabilities

ENERGY TECH
Trying to Avoid Nodules: Sols 3633-3634

Ancient bacteria might lurk beneath Mars' surface

Considerations for microbial survivability of ionizing radiation on Mars for sample returns

Driving on the Sidewalk, MARDI-Style: Sols 3630-3632

ENERGY TECH
Thermal control designs keep astronauts cool on space station

Mengtian space lab to undergo final tests before launch

China to invest in major space programs

China's deep space exploration laboratory recruits young talents

ENERGY TECH
SatixFy completes business combination with Endurance Acquisition Corp

NanoAvionics announces growth plans to become the prime supplier for small satellite constellations

Spacecraft manufacturer Apex emerges from stealth with $7.5M in funding

Designing the trajectory of a microsatellite swarm from the macro-micro perspective

ENERGY TECH
NASA laser project benefits animal researchers, UW scientists show

NASA inflatable heat shield finds strength in flexibility

D-Orbit signs launch contract with AAC SpaceQuest

Scientists discover plastic-like material that conducts like metal

ENERGY TECH
New technique to determine age will open new era of planetary science

Discovery could dramatically narrow search for space creatures

Discovery could dramatically narrow search for space creatures

Secret behind spectacular blooms in world's driest desert is invisible to human eyes

ENERGY TECH
Mars and Jupiter moons meet

NASA studies origins of dwarf planet Haumea

NASA study suggests shallow lakes in Europa's icy crust could erupt

Sharpest Earth-based images of Europa and Ganymede reveal their icy landscape









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.