Geo-Thermal - Quiet But Steady Progress

When most people think of alternative energy they usually think only of solar or wind power. However, tremendous progress and research is underway on potential sites for Geo-thermal power plants in California and Nevada.

Part of the study is to expedite approval and construction of new transmission power lines in the west.

Geo-thermal is the ability to use the constant temperature of the earth, (the temperature below the frost line) for heating and cooling purposes (heat pumps/exchange technologies), or as in the case of California and Nevada, taking advantage of thermally active areas for power generation through steam turbines.

It is roughly 4,000 miles from the surface to the center of the earth. The further down you go the hotter it gets because of the heat from the earth's molten core. Below the earth's (roughly 35 miles thick) crust, insulating us from the cores heat lies the mantle where magma forms in subterranean pools. Temperatures in this region can be from 1200 - 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the heat that will be harnessed to produce the steam to turn the turbines, generating power.

Hawaii, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington can and should utilize their natural thermal topography for Geo-thermal power generation.

The biggest hurdle for any of the alternative energy technologies is delivery of the generated power to urban centers and the current power distribution grids. In an earlier post, I wrote about T. Boone Pickens delaying his Pampa Wind Farm project, citing both the lack of new transmission power lines/grids and the current US economic crisis.

Currently there are a handful of transmission projects either in development, receiving approval, or under construction in California, Nevada, and Oregon. Corridors for transmission lines from Geo-thermal, solar, and wind generating plants are being planned and mapped.

The US Senate has several Bills currently under consideration for the building of new transmission lines from alternative and renewable power sources. Currently there are over two hundred government agencies that comprise the "transmission line authority" and it has been suggested that they be formed into one government (Federal) agency.

Many of our western and northwest states have the ability to harness the potential power benefits from Geo-thermal technologies, and the science behind Geo-thermal is beneficial down to the residential and commercial building community.

Geo-thermal, solar, wind, hydro-electric, along with better management of our own oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear technologies will change the economies of US States. Those states that adopt new power generation and transmission development will be leading states in our future economies.

Brett